Discusses the significant growth in the number of adults with disabilities pursing postsecondary education, the professionalization of postsecondary disability services, the changes in services available to students with disabilities in postsecondary education, and suggestions to improve personnel preparation related to the transition to…

Discusses school districts' technology plans and the need to look beyond funding for hardware to address more pertinent issues such as integrating technology use into subject and grade-level proficiencies, staff-development programs for technology, technical support, considering technology proficiencies when evaluating teachers, and restructuring…

A study investigated the nature and characteristics of 68 staff working in employment services for people with a disability in New South Wales, Australia. Results indicate higher than usual staff turnover and that 53% had no previous professional experience working with people with a disability. Training needs are emphasized. (CR)

Describes a regional collaborative designed to help high schools develop the capacity to implement sustainable reforms, explaining the two project phases: skill-building workshops and local implementation plans. Site teams of teachers, administrators, and community members participated. Researchers collected participants' feedback and made four…

Standards are important within school improvement. Today's issue has moved beyond setting standards to knowing what to do with them. Measurement is the most useful part of the exercise. This paper describes standards and their measurement, explains constructive comparisons, presents an imperative for U.S. schools, and notes the importance of…

Describes four library retreats held by the Bowling Green State University library staff from 1995 to 1998. The retreats reflect changes in library work and management theory that have occurred. The importance of technology to library work is recognized, but there is also a growing realization of the importance of developing a flexible staff…

States that peer-group meetings for Virginia Community College System classified employees are promising avenues for professional development in the VCCS. Describes the development and successful outcomes of four "drive-in" conferences held for secretaries to division chairs and academic directors. Emphasizes the need for continuing…

Discusses methods for training camp counselors in safety standards. Safety awareness and camp wellness should be introduced during staff interviews. During precamp training, staff should complete a test in OSHA requirements, followed by role playing to expand staff's knowledge in each OSHA safety and health area. First aid training, fire safety,…

The impact of a training program to help staff prevent and effectively manage aggressive behavior was assessed with 109 staff members who worked in services for persons with developmental disabilities. Instruction in distraction, defusion, and nonaggressive physical intervention strategies was provided. The training significantly improved…

Presents 10 ways child caregivers can provide themselves with opportunities to develop positive attitudes and improve relationships. Includes visualizing possibilities, setting goals and learning to plan, including personal recreation, finding a mentor, joining a professional organization, keeping a journal, volunteering, striving for balance, and…

Studied the impact of technology specialists on the use of technology among teachers in rural school districts in Georgia. Interviews with five technology specialists show that they provide assistance to teachers through staff development, technical assistance, and administrative support. (SLD)

In a study conducted in two large school districts, 279 educational administrators expressed a strong desire for training in the major areas of educational leadership that were assessed: (1) the principalship; (2) problem solving; (3) planning for school growth; (4) personal awareness; (5) staff development; (6) long-range planning; and (7) the…

Presents a case study for use in business communication classes to help students understand and learn both the context and the strategies for communication with business and management. Deals with situation in a sports training equipment firm in which a new president and the board decided to cut a successful and popular sales training program.…

The Rover Group, a British auto manufacturer, supports work-related curriculum through partnership centers at its major plants and school-based facilities, annual awards, and learning agreements for students in work experience programs. Quality, long-term commitment, and promotion of lifelong learning remain relevant but elusive goals. (SK)

Discusses lessons learned in the implementation of James Comer's School Development Program including: (1) leadership; (2) overcoming resistance to change; (3) time required for change; (4) creating a supportive climate; (5) staff commitment and staff time; (6) personnel and staff training; (7) parent involvement; (8) connecting school and…