Discusses development of Early Childhood Studies (ECS) programs in Britain within social, political, and ideological context, and how ECS degrees could affect early-childhood workforce, parents, children, and society in general. Includes description of ECS programs at five institutions. (LBT)

Reports results of a survey of states concerning state provisions for mediation to settle disputes in gifted education. It finds that 21 states have such provisions at either the state level or as a local option. Advocates for gifted education are urged to publicize the availability of mediation services and encourage staff development in its use.…

Active Support, a package of procedures which includes activity planning, support planning, and training on providing effective assistance, was evaluated in five community residences serving 19 adults with severe mental retardation. Findings indicated that the likelihood of a resident engaging in activity significantly increased following staff…

This article describes the way one Colorado comprehensive high school attempts to meet the needs of highly gifted students, noting features such as the principal's awareness of and commitment to gifted and talented students, staff development of counselors and teachers, and academic and affective support for students. (DB)

Discusses the role of the school psychologist as a consultant in the evaluation and restructuring of effective student discipline procedures and as a provider of direct intervention services to high-risk youth. Urges school psychologists to bring a prevention focus and their insight into the principles of learning and development to the design of…

Review of recent articles defines elements of risk management for camps: an organizational culture of safety; properly trained and certified staff; continuous improvement, feedback, and input involving all personnel; and a flexible communication policy. Both participation in leisure activities and related lawsuits have risen steadily in recent…

An interactive, computer-assisted communications skills course, which can fit easily into the busy schedule of medical specialists is presented. A new training method was developed and tested for its appeal to the target group (N=33). Course was evaluated for its relevance, value, and attraction. Results are included and discussed. (EMK)

The superintendent, a central-office supervisor, the principal, and an external consultant began discussions to address the specific needs of an elementary school in Scottsboro, Alabama. The process involved completing a pre-assessment and feasibility study, developing and introducing a staff-development change model, creating an action plan,…

Presents the following tips for getting the school media center off to a good start in the fall: refocus to-do lists; be ready for business; provide advance scheduling; deal with perceptions; conduct new staff orientation; focus on teachers of new students; and provide ongoing staff development. (AEF)

Reviews the relationship between British career services organizations and higher education career advisory service. Examines guidance provided to students before, during, and after postsecondary education; and to adults. Finds many collaborative practices, the long-term future of which depends on a coherent national strategy for lifelong…

Discusses the top challenges commonly confronted nationwide by college and universities, and similar facilities and businesses. Challenges include construction and repair, funding, housing, auxiliary services, maintenance and operations, marketing and recruiting, security and safety, staff training and retention, and technology. (GR)

Proposes a framework for the design and development of higher education electronic learning systems that focuses less on technology delivery than on university context, teacher views of learning, course planning, and teaching strategies. (SK)

The Texas Commission for the Blind's (TCB's) braille literacy initiative is an agency-based program designed to enhance the braille skills of teaching staff. In addition, TCB has established braille-production stations in 30 of its district offices and offers technical assistance to regional rehabilitation personnel. (Author)

Flexibility of provision and support for part-time staff and students are being emphasized in British further education colleges. Legislated funding changes, guidance, and skill diagnosis are supporting students, and staff development, handbooks, newsletters, and induction programs assist part-time staff. (SK)

Argues that, for problem-based learning (PBL) to succeed, a sound program of staff development is required and describes the introduction of PBL into Nursing and Midwifery curricula at the University of Dundee (Scotland) including key components and evaluatory evidence to support its efficacy. (DB)