Reports on a United Nations appraisal of the preschool component of India's Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). Discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the program, the efficacy of preschool programs in India, and the role of staff training, calling for the upgrading of initial and on-the-job training. (MDM)

Presents a historical sketch of American Montessori teacher education and discusses issues that should be addressed in the future. Suggests that teacher educators should teach their students strategies for individualizing their interactions with children rather than encouraging their students to memorize large amounts of material. Advocates the…

Discusses academic support programs for distance education students and describes the results of an evaluation of the orientation program at the University College of Central Queensland (UCCQ). A questionnaire was used to determine the costs of the program, whether student needs were being met, orientation attendance, and needed changes or…

This paper cites modest beneficial effects of early intervention for children with developmental disabilities or children at risk, and examines two specific program features, age of start and family involvement. The moderating influence of the level of disability severity is also analyzed, and future directions for improving early intervention…

Effective practice reviews (EPRs) are described as used in evaluation studies for the Office of Evaluation and Inspections, a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Examples are given of EPRs in addressing new problems, structuring and improving federal programs, and decreasing costs. (SLD)

This rejoinder to commentary on the authors' proposal (EC 605 232) for a simplified basis for determining special education program eligibility (based on local school reading achievement norms) stresses that the proposal is intended only as a first phase, to be followed by emphasis on overall program improvement. (DB)

To help national leaders work toward the first of six national education goals set forth in America 2000, which states that all children in America will start school ready to learn, surveyed the opinions of early childhood professionals. Reports on changes that have occurred in early childhood education efforts in the states and offers suggestions…

The Head Start community has recognized that the mental health program has been a weak spot in the program's comprehensive services strategy. A brief telephone survey of 101 programs identified the services most desired and resulted in recommendations for strengthening this aspect and making the program a laboratory for innovative practices. (SLD)

To help institutions meet National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education standards, the article presents a research-based accreditation self-study process model incorporating three factors: recognition that program improvement is worthwhile, a well-designed curriculum benefiting from continuing improvement and a strong knowledge base, and…

Discusses results of a survey of professional leadership of library and information organizations in Malaysia that was conducted to gather perceptions about the trends in the field during the next 10 years, the extent of preparedness of entry-level professionals, and strategies for improving education and development programs. (Author/LRW)

Case studies of 6 students with moderate/severe mental retardation investigated the impact of the federal transition mandate on student outcomes. Data revealed that high school programs have become more community-based, employment oriented, and age-appropriate with an increased emphasis on establishing linkages with adult service providers.…

Asserts that the New Zealand Form 5-7 geography syllabus does not need to be changed explaining that change for political purposes and individual whims are neither in the interest of the geography teaching community or students. Believes that what is needed is the development of strategies to make geography relevant and appealing to students. (CMK)

Reviews a study of faculty development programs at 12 tribal colleges, focusing on faculty attitudes toward programs and evidence of institutional support in official documents. Describes the styles and funding of development programs, characteristics of good programs, and strengths and weaknesses of the programs examined. Includes a list of four…

Discusses how to improve library reference service, especially the effective delivery of accurate answers, based on a program at Wichita State University (Kansas) that used concepts of quality from business and organizational management. Topics addressed include customers and customer service, and methods of reference service evaluation. (Contains…

Describes a study of administrator evaluation systems at 350 community colleges, focusing on written policies, procedures, and evaluation instruments used. Indicates that 82% of the colleges had management appraisal plans and that 91% of these indicated that their plans were effective. Provides suggestions for improving the evaluation of…