Various approaches to training for online users are described, including training that is available through schools of library and information studies, database producers, consultants, professional associations, and employers. Training methods are discussed, and the trend toward the use of computer-assisted instruction is examined. (55 references)…

The leadership development plan of Hood College (Maryland) is designed to increase opportunities for involvement in college decision making and improve communication within and between faculty, students, and staff. It focuses on meeting the individual development needs of each campus constituency and on the sharing of power. (MSE)

Presents a fictional look at engineering curricula and hiring practices to suggest ways that mathematics teacher educators can learn from experiences of other professions in preparing teachers and providing beginning teachers with appropriate experiences. (MDH)

Describes a desktop publishing project that uses computer-assisted instruction to engage students with severe behavioral problems in a more active learning environment. Topics discussed include the reinforcement from computers; benefits of computer-assisted instruction; hardware and software selection; staff training; evaluation; and future…

Curricular expertise is reflected in teachers' abilities to select and convey content appropriate to the learner within a particular contextual setting and situation. The article describes traditional conceptualizations of knowledge and beliefs, focusing on relationships between the two concepts that promote a greater understanding of curricular…

Informal discussions between librarians and information technologists at Indiana University-Bloomington concerning the commonalities of their careers in information evolved into an ambitious collaborative program of professional development. A series of workshops focused on specific current professional challenges. Content emphasized collaboration…

A survey of University of California central administrators sought views on five key aspects of performance appraisal: (1) communication and feedback; (2) work objectives; (3) job duties; (4) communication with supervisors; and (5) effectiveness of communication, training, and rewards. (Author/MSE)

Discussion of the use of technology in schools focuses on a plan developed by the Nobelsville (Indiana) schools in cooperation with Indiana Bell. Highlights include decision-making criteria for the use of technology; policy; defining responsibilities; coordination; standards; program planning model; curriculum development; management; staff…

Describes a Florida school district's distance learning system, focusing on the instructional television system, which uses fiber optic cable to connect five high schools, the district television studios, district offices, and the community college. Descriptions of equipment needed, corporate participation, courses offered, and suggestions for…

Reports current ideas from the general organizational productivity literature to provide a broader context for restructuring schools. The article discusses work culture patterns (involving schoolwide planning, professional development, program development, and school assessment) and describes how to manage productive schools, presenting…

After years of counting books and toilets, the country's independent accrediting agencies are reflecting the changes occurring in education over the last decade. All six regional accrediting associations now examine student learning and are trying to shape the accreditation process into a tool for staff development and strategic planning. Sidebars…

Summarizes the experience of the Harvard College Library (Massachusetts) with Total Quality Management (TQM) and its plans for a pilot implementation and training process. The strength of the approach is shown to lie in the broadly based membership of the steering committee, commitment to group process, and ongoing communication efforts with…

To meet new North Carolina requirements for "infant credential" and "preschool handicapped" certification, teachers and other professionals working in 19 (mostly rural) early intervention programs received on-site training that combined seminars, consultation, and trainee projects. Evaluation revealed program characteristics…

Factors which influenced the success of a New York staff development program designed to improve student writing included district commitment, voluntary participation, in-district training workshops, on-site support, principals' support, parents' understanding, and continuous followup. Teachers learned the importance of seeing content first and…

This article reviews the advantages and disadvantages of various delivery modes for distance education, including correspondence courses, radio, television or satellite-delivered instruction, teleconferencing, computer conferencing or electronic networking, and audiotex. Results are presented from a review of literature, interviews with experts in…