States that role-socialization theory is a useful framework for understanding the experiences of new department chairs and for meeting their professional-development needs. Describes the approaches used by 59 chairs in Texas to learn their new jobs, and illustrates the need for formalized chair-training programs. Contains 11 references. (VWC)

This paper reports on efforts of several states in the southern United States (Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia) to respond to the mandate for training early childhood special education professionals. The paper describes how teacher certification standards are being met in these states and examines the role of the state…

Chief academic officers of public universities in Texas were asked to comment on trends affecting general education on their campuses. The role of academic departments in furthering--and inhibiting--changes in general education curricula is analyzed. (PP)

Describes study that examined both currently operational and planned programs where academic libraries are involved in cooperative programs either financed or encouraged by state coordinating agencies of higher education. Limitations of the study are discussed, and a questionnaire and interview questions are appended. (eight references)…

Texas' Functional Approach Categories and Technique Strategies (FACTS) Language Arts Model was designed to assist teachers of limited-English-proficient (LEP) children in effective instruction of communication skills. To do this, children (1) must be taught that language is an adaptable instrument that helps them fulfill their needs, and (2) must…

A brief introduction states the purpose of and summarizes the five presentations made at a Southwest Educational Development Laboratory Regional Exchange (SEDL/RX) Project conference and notes that the SEDL/RX publication, "Evaluation of Educational Software: A Guide to Guides," was produced for use as a reference guide by participants…

Texas has moved from an education system that prescribes procedures to one that emphasizes student achievement. The plan described here provides a framework that educators and policymakers can use to coordinate federal, state, regional, and local education plans and initiatives in Texas. The plan includes the following goals: Students in the…

Presented is the report on a practicum to implement a series of activities to assist Directors of Special Education in the task of personnel identification and selection. Specific issues considered are skills or competencies in special education staff roles, guidelines for special education certification in Texas, and practices and techniques in…

Intended for Special Education Directors, the source book is designed to provide assistance in the areas of personnel identification and selection. In part I, recommended competencies are listed for the following special education staff: resource classroom teacher, self-contained teacher, vocational adjustment teacher, generic classroom teacher,…

Discusses the development of computing networks for elementary and secondary schools in Virginia and Texas. Highlights include establishing a statewide infrastructure; Internet access; distributed computing; instructional resources; the changing role of State Departments of Education; teacher training and support; and policy issues, including…

The percentage of students of all races and ethnicities lost from public school enrollment has worsened in Texas in recent years. This paper presents major findings from a recent attrition study by the Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA). It also restates recommendations from the IDRA policy brief, "Missing Texas Youth…

Adopted in November 1988, the Long-Range Plan for Technology of the Texas State Board of Education plots the course for meeting educational needs through the application of technology and for implementing concomitant changes in education from 1988 to the year 2000. The plan recognizes that both educational technology and the practice of education…

This booklet presents official school accreditation principles and standards for elementary and secondary schools and lists of approved courses for grades 7-12, as revised by the Texas State Board of Education in October 1974. The booklet is organized in four sections that present principles and standards for elementary and secondary schools,…

Espouses cooperation between college English departments and schools of education in the training of English and reading teachers. (AEA)

The guidelines are designed to aid schools in developing their own curriculum guides and to assist teachers in planning courses, units of work, and daily classroom activities. The emphasis is on objectives designed to produce linguistic competencies and cultural knowledge. Because the primary objective of Latin instruction relates to achievement…