Describes eight Head Start programs on the outer Pacific Islands and their unique adaptation of Head Start. Describes the "Beyond the Horizon Project," a satellite-transmitted learning program for Head Start staff and parents, the result of which is that each Head Start grantee is following an individual improvement plan based on…

Explores procedures for improving the teaching of reading through the use of a direct instruction staff development model based on research that includes the application of five principles of effective staff development. Includes theory presentation, demonstration, guided practice, classroom practice, feedback, and coaching. (PRA)

To reduce teacher isolation and encourage sharing of expertise, schools should consider brief workshops or 15-minute "micro-shops" on various topics ranging from making electrical circuit boards to setting up a salt-water aquarium. This article and accompanying sidebar discuss benefits and set-up strategies. (MLH)

Maryland's third unobtrusive reference/information survey, which was conducted by an independent consulting firm, found that good reference service is a result of variables within each librarian's control. Training programs that were developed after previous surveys appear to have increased librarians' effectiveness. Findings of the survey are…

Discusses training of new admission office personnel, especially in the areas of office orientation, admission fundamentals, computer instruction, and public speaking. Discusses planning and implementation of the training program, notes ongoing challenges to the program, and describes positive aspects of the program as described by trainees and…

The Ciba chemical plant in Monthey, Switzerland, follows the Ciba-Geigy Industrial Group's general environment policy. They apply economic, less polluting production methods, dispose of waste efficiently, and train staff in ecological responsibility. (JOW)

Meeting teachers' different needs calls for varying staff development strategies. Options offered by the Charleston (South Carolina) schools include individualized education plans, short-term sabbaticals, substitute teacher teams, teachers as instructors, peer coaching, teacher exchanges, release time, summer workshops, weekend retreats, and…

Staff should be aware of four adult learning principles influencing their conference learning experience: (1) adults learn what they really want to learn; (2) they learn by doing; (3) their motivations are varied and strong; and (4) their experiences enrich the learning situation. (SK)

Four small business owners recommend making the crucial departments the best, providing opportunities from within, involving senior managers in training, offering tuition assistance, having workers train each other, fostering trust between employers and employees, allowing the free flow of information, and using total quality management or quality…

A nominal group of 21 policymakers and training practitioners ranked research questions in three categories: strategic, applied, and fundamental. Twenty-six of the 35 questions appeared to be of high priority. Promising research issues include organizational effectiveness, cost/benefit concerns, human resource planning, and the mobility of special…

Discusses mentoring among entry-level librarians and examines whether mentor-protege relationships are truly beneficial. Topics addressed include career advancement for women, the role of library management, staff training and development practices, and advocacy for the library profession. (LRW)

This article addresses assumptions that currently guide personnel training and technical assistance in organizations providing services to people with disabilities. Implications of a quality improvement perspective are then considered as they apply to new perspectives on roles, on decision-making processes, and on evaluation. (DB)

Companies that manage diversity successfully have common characteristics: chief executives' commitment, diversity as a business objective, fair compensation and career tracking, careful diversity training, consistent focus during downsizing, and plans that address the concerns of white males. (SK)

Analysis of workplace experiences recounted by 29 human resource development (HRD) professionals uncovered 3 themes: emphasis on people and work processes, need for greater personal control and security, and desire for task and functional equity. Findings suggest that HRD is an occupational culture more concerned with employee development and…

Argues that training for automated library systems is an ongoing process which does not stop once the system is operational. Some problems that can be alleviated through ongoing training are examined, including the addition of new employees and/or new systems software and functions. (nine references) (MAB)