At George Mason University (Virginia), a consulting firm designed a program to train university administrators to deal with the media effectively. On-camera simulations, followed up with practice sessions in the university's telecommunications department, were an effective method of preparing for difficult media questions. (MSE)

As colleges face budget reductions, they must consider the substantial hidden costs of unemployment benefits for terminated part-time faculty. Planning a sound program of benefits management that includes cost containment requires the cooperation of personnel director, chief financial officer, and chief academic officer. (MSE)

Ideas are provided for postsecondary institutions with limited resources wishing to increase their services to learning-disabled students. Practical suggestions are offered on how to define service eligibility, provide reasonable accommodations, establish diagnostic testing procedures, maximize existing ancillary equipment and services, market…

Of college students with learning disabilities (n=45), those with high social competence ratings were more likely to have earned over $6/hour and worked nonhourly and less likely to have difficulty finding work. Students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder had lower social competence and marginal work histories. (Author/MSE)

Offers guidelines on evaluating services provided by Advanced Technology Centers on an ongoing basis. Discusses the meaning of impact; strategies for measuring impact; evaluation variables; examples of possible measures (e.g., total wages paid by service area industries); and the need to invest time and resources in evaluation. (DMM)

A strategy is presented for using media exposure to increase evaluation use, including reasons for using media, suggestions about whether to use mass (print and electronic) or specialized (interest-group oriented trade) media, and 10 recommendations for effective use. Program change can be accelerated when media are used effectively. (SLD)

Definitions and lists of critical thinking abilities, along with guidelines for utilizing the Delphi Technique, are presented as a procedural model for districts searching for curriculum consensus. Results are reported for a study wherein 16 educators of gifted students used the Delphi Technique to reach consensus on criteria for a thinking skills…

For camps to be successful, management should empower camp staff to be heroes (leaders). This is based on three rules: campers look for heroes; heroes build successful camps; and successful directors build heroes. Being a hero implies being the best one can be and always attempting to improve the example communicated to others. (LP)

This qualitative research project examined employment opportunities for youth with disabilities in Central America. Despite economic problems, high unemployment, architectural barriers, and attitudinal barriers, the study found innovations in financing, special education and rehabilitation programing, job development, and job placement…

This paper describes a successful model of supported employment developed by a single small agency previously providing services as a segregated day activity center. Included is discussion of the service agency, program methodology, barriers to successful community-based employment, manner in which barriers were overcome, program outcomes, and…

Four ideas for classroom French language instruction are described, including an exercise in selection of passive and active voice, a project in which students prepare transparencies for an oral presentation, an activity in which Italian students develop a tour for French visitors, and a radio broadcast project. (MSE)

University of Iowa dental students can participate in three dental research programs. Each involves faculty mentors, proposal development, and opportunities for formal presentation of findings. Increased scholarly activity is seen among participants, and graduates with such research experience more often chose to continue their education in…

Contexts for and developments related to the internationalization of German higher education are discussed, including public financial support to promote student and scholar mobility, both individually and in groups; more structured programs; and a stronger international dimension for larger scientific projects. Means to promote effective…

The article proposes that the key to tracking and evaluating the academic progress of college students, particularly at complex institutions, is development of a longitudinal tracking system with flexibility to support a diverse community of users and applications. Considerations for efficient maintenance and effective use of such a system are…

Four surveys were part of an evaluation of the Pew National Dental Education Program to help dental schools respond to the changing health care environment. Results show funded schools gained a better understanding of their environment, reported increased participation in and commitment to planning among constituencies, and implemented strategic…