This study assessed Egan's hypothesis that a contract, spelling out in advance sensitivity group goals and member behaviors, facilitates positive interaction and interpersonal growth. Although results were not definitive, the contract group did seem to receive some additional benefits from sensitivity training, when compared to the non-contract…

Discusses the rationale, structure, and experiences of a graduate sociology seminar in bibliographical methods for document research. (CWM)

Describes an innovative national program, the Child Development Associate Program, designed to prepare a new category of child care worker--the Child Development Associate--and how this program is being implemented in Hawaii. (Editor/RK)

A modified systems program has been developed at the University of Ottowa that incorporates advantages of the systems approach into whole-class teaching without increasing demands on staff. A total of 387 lecture and laboratory hours previously assigned to organ pathology and clinical departments are allocated to committees representing 12…

Presents a process for defining high-quality adventure for all young people. Expands "progression" in outdoor adventure to include application of what is learned to other aspects of life. Emphasizes the importance to adventure education of nonadventurous dimensions such as group experience, and stresses that adventure is both medium and a message.…

This summary of the 1996 Schonell Memorial Lecture addresses four major topics related to the education of students with disabilities in general education classrooms with support, including characteristics of inclusive education, key lessons learned about inclusive education, tools to facilitate inclusion, and the impact of inclusion on students…

Advisory committee meetings and surveys of students (n=175) and employers (n=30) were used to revise the human resources and personnel management certificate programs at the University of Calgary. Revisions were done in the context of resource constraints, postsecondary competition, and declining enrollment. (SK)

Provides a brief explanation of the Head Start Expansion and Improvement Act of 1990. Describes the expanded and improved services provided to Head Start children and families and the quality enhancements made to the Head Start program and staff as a result of implementing the act. Lists other elements, in addition to funding, that are important…

This article describes the Wings Mentor Program in Maryland, a program developed to provide additional support to students with gifts who also have learning disabilities and highly able students who were not succeeding in the classroom. Students realize their creative and intellectual potential when paired with mentors who nurture them. (Contains…

This special issue provides diverse data sets on a school-improvement initiative in Memphis, Tennessee. The effort seems unusually promising because of top-down district support for eight separate site-based reform designs, planners' reliance on New American Schools and other familiar designs, long-term data-collection opportunities, accessible…

Discusses the components of peer-mediated instruction and interventions (PMII) (including peer modeling, peer initiation training, peer monitoring, peer networking, peer tutoring, and group-oriented contingencies) and instructional systems that incorporate PMII components with other elements of effective instruction. Explores implications for…

Describes a spiritual and therapeutic model of recovery. Presents program data collected over a three-year period and discusses the program's origins; its definition of alcoholism; its unifying principles, values, therapeutic assumptions and philosophy; resident characteristics and the residential program; and other components. Provides evaluation…

Examines the current state of higher education programs for students with disabilities. Defines essential program standards and components, and explores related service delivery issues. Makes recommendations for student services professionals who strive for full participation by people with disabilities in all institutions of higher education.…

Eight successful secondary special education school programs in Nebraska were visited in 1983, 1988, and 1996. Findings indicate an increased consideration being given to transition, including more training in the community, emphasis on the role of work, linkages with adult agencies, and the use of job coaches and school rehabilitation counselors.…

Discussion of the benefits and drawbacks of distance education and online instruction in higher education focuses on quality control. Topics include quality of product, of learning, and of technology; student prerequisites; instructional design; faculty support systems; and program design, including professional development versus academic degree…