This paper presents several aspects of the English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) program for refugees as it was developed at the Bilingual Educational Institute (BEI), an organization that provides refugee and ESL services in the Houston, Texas area. Background information is provided on the development of the current RSS and ESL classes and the…

This document describes a balanced and comprehensive approach to improve the reading and mathematics performance of Louisiana students in kindergarten through third grade. Sections of the paper address the focus on prevention, intervention, and remediation; the need in Louisiana for a K-3 reading and mathematics initiative; determining the…

In 1998, information was collected on 416 schools, colleges, and departments of education in the United States. Respondents--mostly deans and education faculty--were asked to rate their institutions in terms of a variety of indicators of capacity, including course work, technology facilities and support, skills of graduates, and field experience…

The making of a staff developer combines deliberate, systematic training and an accumulation of knowledge, skills, and assumptions based on experience. Staff developers must understand school practices and adult learning theory, shared decision-making and organization of support, and be flexible, creative, and committed to their work. (PP)

Procedures used by the Eugene (Oregon) Public Schools to train staff members as organizational development specialists are described. School employees volunteer time to work as internal consultants, using organizational management concepts to help colleagues in the school system improve their organizational capabilities, interact effectively,…

Suggests programs to increase effectiveness of academic orientation and bibliographic instruction for adult university students. Adult enrollment patterns in Canada and characteristics of adult students which have implications for orientation and bibliographic instruction are examined. Eighteen footnotes are included. (EJS)

Describes the Theme Centered Interaction (TCI) Model, which provides a method for residence hall staff to support student development processes. Discusses initiation of the theme, dynamic development, and termination of the group. Residence hall staff can readily be used as facilitators for TCI groups. (JAC)

The comprehensive nature of the Education for all Handicapped Children Act of 1975 is why educators question its applicability to the United States Pacific Territories. The components of the act are viewed against a framework of the territories' traditional cultural values and current economic needs. (Author/TLJ)

Oklahoma teachers, asked their opinions about aspects of a new state law to upgrade teacher preparation, supported raising college admission requirements, requiring an entry-year internship for beginning teachers, and participation in staff development activities. The teachers questioned the value of minimum competency testing. (PP)

The efforts of a writing resource teacher were instrumental in the development and implementation of a new writing curriculum in a Westport, Connecticut, elementary school. Staff development activities, which help spread the new curriculum to schools throughout the district, are described. (PP)

Described is a six-step school improvement process that evolved during attempts to assess needs, plan improvements, implement changes, and evaluate success at a Michigan school district's elementary schools with disadvantaged pupils. The process involves parents and school staff identifying needs and setting priorities for staff development. (PP)

A regional approach to improving small rural schools through staff development was taken in Washington State. Consultants from the Child Service Demonstration Center at Washington State University trained teachers to use Madeline Hunter's instructional methodology, called Instructional Theory into Practice. (PP)

If teachers are to change school curricula to reflect a global perspective, they must participate in long-term inservice training programs. Workshops at four levels are employed by the Bay Area Global Education Program, focusing on: (1) global awareness; (2) imparting information and concepts; (3) developing teaching skills; and (4) curriculum…

Compiles policies and styles that administrators can utilize to upgrade conditions in their schools. Includes an inservice worksheet, a checklist for students' evaluation of teachers, and a School Climate Assessment Test. (MLF)