Describes the development of a distance learning course at Keele University (United Kingdom) for staff training in the use of information technology for people with special needs. Discusses course design, learner needs analysis, course content, instructional design, and formative evaluation. (Contains 24 references.) (LRW)

Applies Stephen Covey's "seven habits of highly effective people" to creating stronger, more effective middle school teams. Presents ideas for implementing a flexible staff development plan for learning about and how to practice Covey's seven habits. Asserts that highly effective middle level teams will build highly effective students.…

In 1989, Swift Current Division in Saskatchewan, Canada, initiated the Chalk, Chips, and Children technology project. The project was funded by various corporate partners and developed by a broadly constituted advisory committee. The principal's role changed drastically as he reexamined leadership competencies and faculty developed their own…

Advocates a new form of long-range educational technology planning and presents as an example the North Rockland (Garnerville, New York) Central School District Technology Planning Grid. Describes infrastructure and hardware, and discusses team planning, staff development, and resources. (AEF)

Discusses results of a British Library funded project investigating the training needs and opportunities of flexible workers in United Kingdom library and information services. Explains that managers need to attend to training of part-time and temporary workers, both to maintain quality service and to ensure compliance with discrimination…

Presents strategies for middle level principals to strengthen their instructional program. Includes suggestions for creating a climate receptive to change by raising staff awareness of their own learning style diversity; modeling values through using instructional tools such as Bloom's Taxonomy in interaction with staff; and using stories,…

Identifies and describes strategies for effective fundraising: imagining the possibilities, identifying fund-raising sources, targeting fund-raising efforts, maximizing time by utilizing public relations efforts and involving staff, writing quality proposals and requests, and staying educated on fund-raising topics. Sidebars describe planned…

Examines current issues and trends in the United Kingdom's outdoor education industry as context for discussions about forming a national association for outdoor professionals. Discusses declining state provision of outdoor education in schools, increasing commercialism, recent negative images of the outdoor industry, increasing emphasis on safety…

A study evaluated effects of a staff training package on the number of choice responses and performance responses made by adults with disabilities in a community purchasing activity. After training, all four staffers generalized offering choices and promoting performance across settings and adults with disabilities and maintained the skills.…

Discusses the top challenges commonly confronted nationwide by school districts districts, facilities, and business. Challenges include construction and repair, enrollment, funding, security and safety, technology, maintenance, staff training and retention, and unfunded mandates. (GR)

Professional development schools address the staff development of experienced teachers and the development of school and teacher programs at the same time at the school site. Describes a school-university partnership between the Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. (MLF)

Presents a model instructional session that was prepared and taught by librarians to introduce college students, faculty, and staff to the Internet by teaching them how to join listservs and topic-centered discussion groups. Describes the sessions' audience, learning objectives, facility, and course design. Presents a checklist for preparing an…

Facing an ever-increasing student retention rate, staff at a Washington elementary school implemented a multiage program. Teachers received considerable training but experienced burnout the first year. Four years later, retention is down, test scores and attendance are up, discipline referrals have decreased, teacher turnover is low, and parents…

Discusses information literacy and presents a theoretical framework for higher education. Highlights include characteristics of an information literate person, including independent self-directed learning and the use of information technology; information literacy education strategies in the academic curriculum; evaluating information literacy…

Human resource professionals who find themselves charged with selecting and conducting employee training are advised to use adult learning theory to develop effective programs. Tips for facilitating adult training sessions, questions to address before designing a training program, and pointers for successful flip chart use are offered. (MSE)