The effectiveness of the industry-specific training programs offered by Kingsport City Schools (Tennessee) has helped revamp the secondary vocational program. As in industry, the focus is on core and specialty courses of shorter duration and in one-hour time blocks. (SK)

Suggests having teachers give reading inservice training to each other. Describes one program that did this. (FL)

Describes development of a 3-year technology education program being implemented in Oklahoma. The major categories of study are (1) communication, (2) construction, (3) manufacturing, and (4) transportation. (CH)

Crownhill Elementary School in Bremerton, Washington, has succeeding in boosting reading and math scores of its students and building their self-esteem as it doubled in size. Teachers participate in budget and hiring decisions and share ideas. Some of the projects and programs are briefly described. (MT)

If techniques can be used that help disabled students while also having application for other students, the result can be overall program improvement. This approach to finding solutions for some of the more prevalent technology teacher concerns is explored in this article. (CT)

Discusses the current problems of status and recruitment in secondary vocational education. Presents possible future scenarios that could result in increased demand for trained high school graduates. Enumerates the tasks necessary to improve the field's status and recruitment success. (CH)

This article explores the National Institute of Education's project on the use of research information to improve teacher education programs. The processes used to assist in producing change in 10 teacher education programs are discussed. (DF)

A critical review of the Preservice Teacher Education Improvement Project observes both the project as a whole and the efforts of the various institutions involved. An alternative view for improving teacher education programs is suggested. (DF)

Lists reasons why people shy away from trainer recertification programs, benefits of attending such programs, and considerations that users and purchasers of training programs might keep in mind in order to get the best quality programs and service from their vendors. (CT)

Discusses ways program administrators can do a better job of justifying their curricula in light of high costs and limited enrollments. Describes procedures used at Community College of Philadelphia for assessing new programs (the comprehensive feasibility study) and determining the success of existing programs (the academic audit). (DMM)

Discusses the systematic approach to training, how this approach increases training impact, and how it evolved and identifies the four components of this approach, describing three components in detail--pretraining briefing sessions, review of individual training objectives, and group followup. (MBR)

A social learning model focusing on intrinsic outcomes of vocational programs is proposed. It would assess technical skills and knowledge, communication skills and literacy, and personal skills and attitudes. Instruments should be devised to measure characteristics of the learning setting, learner involved activities, and nature of consequences of…

A new required clinical clerkship in family medicine at Duke University School of Medicine is described in terms of planning, implementation, and modification in response to students' evaluations. The data demonstrate that family medicine can be taught effectively as a core clinical rotation. (Author/MLW)

To ensure significant improvement in individual and organizational managerial effectiveness, the design and implementation of soft-skill management development programs need to address the six factors leading to change resistance and the five critical elements that contribute to success. These factors and elements are discussed in detail. (CT)

Education currently faces a crisis in curriculum reform which presents a danger to pedagogical programs. Changes in teacher education programs should be based on research and should be accomplished by a reflective and rational process. Methods of reform are explored. (DF)