Describes a program and curriculum in American Sign Language developed by the state government of Kentucky in cooperation with Eastern Kentucky University that was used with hearing state employees so they could communicate more effectively with those with hearing impairments. (JOW)

Technology in the workplace can raise productivity, but often the cost is deskilled jobs or unemployment for both blue- and white-collar workers. Vocational education must adjust curriculum, instruction, and research to understand how work is changing and how best to prepare workers. (SK)

Cognitive science lessons that should be applied to workplace learning include the following: (1) learning is embedded in individual experiences; (2) learning is most effective in context; (3) collaboration enhances learning; (4) learners continuously create knowledge; and (5) learners need to recognize and question tacit assumptions. (SK)

Without organizationwide commitment to training programs, educators may be able to increase learners' self-efficacy to acquire desired skills or behavior. But behavior and skills will not be transferred to the job if learners have low expectations about their use or if positive reinforcement is lacking. (SK)

The spouse of a former superintendent provides suggestions for minimizing, though never eliminating, harmful repercussions on their mates. Expectations of being a public persona, socializing with board members, sacrificing free time, responding to public criticism, and dealing with boards' private agendas demand creative coping approaches.…

Satisfaction with pay, promotions, coworkers, supervision and work conditions of 236 workers with disabilities was examined. Analysis indicated strong dissatisfaction with pay and mild dissatisfaction with promotions. Participants in transition programs which incorporated best practices were more satisfied with their work and with the social…

A study surveyed 85 Israeli individuals with disabilities who volunteered in organizations for people with disabilities in relation to three components of empowerment: family, services, and community. Three organizational factors (patterns of activity in organization, representation, and participation in decision making) and two personal factors…

Explains how colleges and universities, faced with emerging trends and increased competition, can utilize their facilities as strategic resources. Examines technology changes in the classroom and the effects on user needs, the trend toward real-world learning environments, and facility design planning that responds to social interaction and…

Experience and research on superintendents reveal the enormous conflict and tension in a changing, ambiguous position. This article discusses the significance of "outsider" superintendents. It examines how outsider status (negatively) influences superintendents' effectiveness, how these effects can be reduced, and whether women and minorities…

A nine-month field study of a software-engineering firm's work practices revealed that the group's collective use of time perpetuated its members'"time famine." A crisis mentality and rewards for individual heroics were responsible. Altering the way engineers used their time at work enhanced their collective productivity. (66 references)…

Reviewed worksite health-promotion program evaluations from 1968 to 1994 that addressed the health impact of worksite smoking-cessation programs and smoking policies. Results indicated that smoking-cessation group programs were more effective than minimal treatment programs. Tobacco policies reduced worksite cigarette consumption and environmental…

Provides a framework of analysis for determining whether workers' nonmonetary interests regarding the workplace are taken into account during the process of economic development. Argues for including attention to workplace quality and mechanisms for worker voice as a requirement for meaningful work. (JOW)

Describes the Ethics Challenge Game (developed by Lockheed Martin Corp. and free to educators), which is a board game based on the Dilbert comic strip character that provides realistic scenarios for discussion of ethical behavior in various business/workplace situations. Describes the game, offers comments on faculty reactions after playing the…

A case study investigated the effectiveness of a new technology to aid people who are deaf or hard of hearing to participate fully in meetings held in the workplace through the use of Computer Assisted Remote Transcription (CART), in which a stenographer transcribes a meeting from a remote location. Results indicated some problems with using the…

Most tests of congruence in Holland's theory are flawed because they are cross-sectional, use samples of persons already in congruent environments, classify environment casually, fail to relate congruence to relevant aspects of work environments, and have not assessed environment accurately. The centrality of congruence makes the improvement of…