In-depth interviews with 12 diversity experts identified organizational and individual barriers inhibiting development of a diverse workforce. Primary reasons for diversity initiatives included improving productivity, enhancing social responsibility, and addressing legal concerns. (SK)

Examined how five teacher leaders perceived themselves and others as they worked in their leadership roles. Interviews with five practicing teacher leaders indicated that their simultaneous needs for achievement and affiliation created a conflict in the school workplace that had negative outcomes. Important supports for teacher leadership included…

Identifies major trends that are affecting the field of workforce learning and performance improvement: the effort given to managing knowledge, the integration of learning and communication, a resurgence of interest in leadership development and executive coaching, and the requirement by employees that career development become an integral part of…

A survey of 112 African-American professionals in predominantly White workplaces found that work- and race-related stressors independently influenced job satisfaction. Internal locus of control and collegial/supervisory support lessened stress. Nonwork social support did not buffer effects of race-related stressors. (SK)

Occupational social skills are defined and their importance is highlighted. Four ways to develop appropriate training are offered: adapting commercial general social skills programs, adopting commercial social skills programs with an occupational focus, developing a program based on SCANS, and developing a program based on ecological assessment.…

Examined relationships between worksite influences and smoking and quitting behavior among adolescent grocery employees. Surveys on interpersonal, intrapersonal, and organizational factors indicated that regular smokers were 30 percent more likely to receive co-worker encouragement to quit than occasional and experimental smokers. Compared to…

Examines and challenges theories of account giving and public image following an accusation of sexual harassment in the workplace, using college students and working adults as subjects. Challenges the existing theories of account giving and public image, and lays to rest the notion that full apologies and excuses are mitigating in serious account…

Explores higher education institutions' legal obligations to accommodate students with learning disabilities and the courts' review of those accommodations. Lists suggestions for responding to accommodation requests, and in defending claims asserted by learning-disabled students. (Contains 182 references.) (MLF)

To establish an effective, collaborative work culture, the school and its members must embrace continuous improvement. Principals can use certain activities and leadership approaches to help establish a productive school culture. One Oklahoma middle-school principal involved faculty in creating a school vision and developing grade-level teaching…

In 1997, former Edmonton (Alberta) school superintendent Michael Strembitsky instituted school-based management in seven schools. Although the district retained policymaking responsibility, schools could decide matters such as class organization, number of teachers, and budgeting for learning resources and equipment. Giving schools control over…

Discusses research on English-as-Second-Language for the workplace, identifying gaps in existing literature and promising directions for new explorations. A qualitative study was conducted in one type of program for immigrant women and men in Western Canada seeking to become long-term resident care aides or home support workers. (Author/VWL)

Because of impending retirements, districts have the opportunity to recruit and train thousands of outstanding new principals. Hiring and retaining quality principals involves identifying and selecting good leaders, socializing them into district culture, and providing ongoing professional development and support. Challenges facing urban,…

Effective followership (mirroring a leader's mission) involves several strategies: concentrating on becoming a team player, demonstrating a strong work ethic, adhering to high individual expectations and possessing high self-regard, projecting optimism, and practicing interpersonal intelligence. (MLH)

Discussion of technologically mediated learning focuses on Collaborative Learning Networks, called the learning environment of the future. Traces the effects of the learning paradigm of higher education back to elementary and secondary education, as well as linking it to success in the work environment. (Contains 5 references.) (Author/LRW)

Studied whether significant differences existed in the work cultures of schools with high student achievement scores and low student achievement scores focusing on six Florida elementary schools. Schools grouped based on student achievement were found to have significantly different work cultures, with more collaborative cultures in higher…