Notes the importance of outdoor play to the early childhood curriculum. Explores the purpose and nature of playgrounds, and presents a staff development model based on playground contents, safety, and functions. Also notes some playground problems teachers can avoid with close observation. (HTH)

Offers suggestions for meeting the schooling needs of homeless students. Discusses who should begin the process, how momentum can be maintained, the role of staff development, and parental involvement. (SR)

A model of ongoing consultation was effectively implemented in a community group home for eight adults with severe and profound mental retardation. Two consultants taught staff members to use a token reinforcement system, engage clients in a variety of activities, and improve staff interactions with clients. (Author/DB)

Describes a study conducted at an annual staff development conference to determine the needs of professional staff developers in British higher education. An overview of the research strategy, which was based on an action research model, is provided; the ranking of needs areas is discussed; and needs statements with justifications are appended.…

Comparison of 1983-84 state survey of mandated staff development with a current study shows that, although state support for education has significantly increased, funding for staff development has not. No correlation was found between per-pupil expenditures and funding for mandatory staff development. (SK)

Identifies some issues emerging from Barnet College's involvement in the United Kingdom's National Pilot appraisal Scheme for Further Education. Explores varying perceptions of both appraisers and appraisees, focusing on individual staff member and special interest group reactions. Only 14 percent of staff surveyed felt that the process was…

Evaluation of the self-monitoring of instructional decisions by three instructors in a continuing education program for adults with severe mental retardation found initial inconsistent adherence to the data-based rules for making instructional decisions, which was successfully modified by an individual training session in which participants…

Presents a 10-question instrument to help school leaders interview and select outstanding school personnel directors. The questions and responses cover prospective candidates' basic skills and required attributes; knowledge of roles and functions; communication abilities; teacher recruitment and orientation strategies; staff motivation and…

Despite serving growing numbers of at-risk students, Pasco (Washington) School District has been transformed through outcome-based education into a district widely recognized for quality. Pascoe's OBE process demanded a school vision and mission statement; intensive teacher retraining; implementation of mastery learning, reality therapy, and…

The article offers teachers of the deaf guidelines for developing an in-service workshop for other teachers. Five steps in workshop development are proposed as are guidelines for needs assessment, identifying local experts, motivating attendees, selecting delivery methods, and workshop evaluation. (DB)

When assessing a staff development program, several factors must be considered, including improvement in student outcomes, content and quality of the staff development program, and organizational climate and culture. Specific suggestions for evaluating program influences on participants, students, and the organization are offered. A multifaceted…

Many college and university student service units consider staff development peripheral to their primary mission and not cost effective, especially in lean financial times. However, recent trends in business suggest this assumption is false, and ultimately costly. The University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, experience found development efforts empower…

Presents a scenario outlined by a librarian interested in sponsoring a staff development program together with a hired consultant. It is argued that, through candid discussions and a commitment to shared program goals, a successful match can be made between a librarian and the consultant. (MAB)

Reports on a study of teachers' attitudes and moral judgment. Finds that teachers who participated in a Just Community Approach Program changed their beliefs about fairness, justice, and responsibility. Suggests that this type of staff development can help teachers deal with situational conflicts. (CFR)

Negative attitudes and stereotypes of Africans by expatriate managers and trainers retard human resource development. Instead of importing "remedies," collaborative research on the indigenous contexts of African problems will lead to appropriate solutions. (SK)