Describes a study that examined continuing professional development activities, needs, and aspirations of Australian special librarians and information center managers. The extent and nature of organizational support, educational activities and professional involvement of those interviewed, and participants' perceptions of present and future needs…

A trend toward establishment of professional networks and exchanges among administrators in all kinds of educational institutions for the purpose of professional development and information exchange is emerging around the world. Although costs are high and benefits often difficult to measure, the consequences may be far-reaching. (MSE)

Analyzes collaboration between Australian Society of Accountants and Deakin University in designing, developing, delivering, and evaluating an inservice distance education program for practicing accountants. The developers' role as educational technologists and their contributions to material development, test construction, testing, and program…

Discusses four new trends that are changing the climate of the teaching profession: teaching centers; involvement of experienced teachers in training beginning teachers; merit pay; and new alliances with business, industry, and taxpayers. (MBR)

Contains comments on "The Teaching of Writing and the Knowledge Gap" by Clinton S. Burhans, Jr. and on "Reference Sources for Composition Research: A Practical Survey" by Patrick Scott and Bruce Castner. (EL)

Urges publication about experiential education by explaining why experiential educators should write about their programs or ideas. Gives seven guidelines for writing: discover the subject, grab the reader's attention, know the audience, use specifics, find a logical sequence, write, and revise. (SB)

Reports the findings of a survey that identified the following eight categories of professional needs of substitute teachers: discipline, classroom plans and procedures, knowledge of programs, learner differences, organizing/managing learning experiences, professional role, and school rules/regulations. (HOD)

Nine articles address the topic of professionalism among school librarians. Highlights include personal initiative and suggestions for growing professionally, a professional involvement profile, career and job options, best-ever workshops, professional growth through travel, from librarian to computer coordinator, illustrated booktalks, the school…

This brief introductory article describes the NASSP's Assessment Center Project, a comprehensive plan to assist school districts in identifying and developing highly skilled school leaders. As such, it introduces a series of articles in which those who have used the NASSP Assessment Center describe their experiences. (TE)

Based on his successful experience with the NASSP assessment center process in personnel selection and career development, a Maryland curriculum superintendent suggests that assessment center process and results need to be integrated into schools' promotional policies, their training and appraisal procedures, their human resource planning, and…

Two success stories are presented of good teachers who were given a chance by the NASSP assessment center to demonstrate their administrative skills and were subsequently selected to fill administrative positions. Participation in the assessment center has provided more objective information on administrative candidates than was previously…

Five elements contribute to success of the NASSP assessor training program: (1) participants are totally involved; (2) preparation supports the overall training design; (3) preselection and orientation of assessor trainees ensures qualified participants; (4) training models assessors' subsequent role; and (5) follow-up training at individual…

College and university faculty engaged in the preparation of school administrators should have a vital role in all applications of assessment centers and the principles upon which assessment centers are based. Faculty involvement in uses of assessment center technology can improve administrator preparation programs. (TE)

This essay shows how the assessment center concept can provide the research base to improve teaching and service in principal preparation programs at colleges and universities. (TE)

Focuses on the impact of overseas training on national development objectives in Sub-Saharan Africa. Reviews the current economic crisis in Africa and the need for high-level, skilled workers. Examines the advantages and disadvantages of foreign study as a means of developing competent indigenous professionals. Notes pertinent research issues. (SB)