Describes the first phase of an Internet overview training program presented to academic staff at the University of Sydney (Australia). The use of locally created Hypertext Markup Language documents is explained, and an evaluation of the program indicated the success of using World Wide Web browsers as an aid in training. (Author/LRW)

A sensitivity training session to help elementary-grade teachers better understand the experience of students with learning disabilities is suggested, using an altered alphabet in a standard second-grade lesson plan format. (DB)

Better organization and more efficient use of time are the key elements of a plan to boost student achievement at a Virginia district. Teachers focus almost all classroom time on direct instruction, guided practice, core courses, and applications to the real world. At the secondary level, teachers now also emphasize critical thinking and problem…

Describes challenges faced by a women's center when their relatively homogenous, middle class clientele shifted to one of diverse inner-city women. Strategies for meeting these challenges included encouraging staff members to examine their personal values and coping skills, reassessment of services and service delivery, and a commitment to…

A model for an integrated systems approach to staff evaluation and staff development. (MLF)

Current work force trends such as teamwork, empowerment, and quality pose challenges for traditional testing. Tests that can provide diagnostic developmental information for improving job performance are needed. Innovative practices such as video-based testing are emerging. (SK)

Staff developers can facilitate school improvement by helping administrators make more accurate employee performance appraisals. The article identifies seven common causes of rater errors, several ways to reduce the errors, and actions staff developers can take to help administrators recognize and reduce their potential for making errors when…

Teachers can use professional development portfolios to facilitate learning and improve classroom practice. The article offers a history and description of professional development portfolios, sharing how teachers have used them and examining the influence of professional development portfolios on teachers as learners. Implications for staff…

Assessment information can help school improvement teams focus the direction of improvement and specify action plans. A fishbone diagram can help identify contributing factors within four areas (educators, students, curriculum, and organization). An example from one middle school that used the diagram to improve students' writing assessment scores…

Techniques for effective communication include determining what is to be accomplished; avoiding generalities; making words and actions congruent; avoiding indirect communication; visualizing ideas; asking for clarification; avoiding unnecessary questions; being aware of how inanimate objects effect communication; avoiding overcommunication; using…

Discusses the Vocational Interactive Reading Project, a staff development project in which a reading specialist in an area vocational center guides vocational teachers as they integrate literacy practices into their subjects. (SR)

The Duke University (North Carolina) experience using adventure-based or wilderness learning programs for staff development is discussed, focusing on the program rationale, planning, common responses of participants and nonparticipants, and outcomes. Quotations from program assessments are included. A brief list of relevant industry resources is…

Describes the San Diego Community College District's Affirmative Action Training Program, which trains all affirmative action representatives on selection committees in compliance, hiring procedures, and committee monitoring. Includes a checklist for assessing organizational commitment to affirmative action. Reviews training goals, content,…

This article presents a rationale for the importance of relationships as a focus for training infant/family professionals and paraprofessionals. It describes six innovative training strategies that have been used as part of the ZERO TO THREE/National Center for Clinical Infant Programs' City TOTS (training of trainers) project. (Author/DB)

According to a survey of U.S. and Canadian public school educators, both teachers and principals feel that teachers should be actively involved in initiating, planning, and implementing their own staff development programs. Teacher-directed staff development would focus on skill improvement and would be scheduled only during school hours. The…