The articles of this special issue focus on problems and deficiencies in the evaluation of school superintendents. They explore ways to improve superintendent evaluation, drawing on the literature, political realities, educational philosophy, and the theory and practice considered essential for good evaluation. (SLD)

Eight reasons are proposed to support the argument that it should be possible to move toward a consensus about educational evaluation. The eight standards of the American Association of School Administrators are explored as starting points for developing a sound evaluation system and procedures. (SLD)

The school superintendency is reviewed as it has evolved and as it currently functions. A view of the superintendency is advanced that could be acceptable in evaluation in contemporary school systems but that still recognizes the distinctive requirements of different settings. A superintendent duties list is presented. (SLD)

The current state of superintendent evaluation is described as reflected in the research literature, drawing especially on five surveys of school districts, and an effort is made to identify the most important issues in improving evaluation. Specific attention is given to the methods suitable for superintendent evaluation. (SLD)

This article identifies 12 commonly used models for evaluating superintendents and analyzes them through questions related to the "Personnel Evaluation Standards" of the Joint Committee on Standards for Educational Evaluation. Models are grouped into those based on global judgment, judgment based on specific criteria, or data-driven judgment. (SLD)

Previous articles in this issue have provided the background for the new model for superintendent evaluation presented. The model recognizes the many facets of the superintendent's professional activities and attempts to encompass the evaluation of the superintendent's total performance. The flexible model will take on different forms as…

The superintendency in Connecticut was examined as part of the development of preliminary standards for future school superintendents. Future superintendents will need high-level skills in conceptualization to give perspective and vision across a range of functions. Six crucial roles of the superintendent are outlined. (SLD)

This review of the literature identified eight common assertions, giving a predominantly negative view, concerning the effects on fathers of children with disabilities. However, examination of the research itself found little support for any of the assertions. (Author/DB)

Two Israeli studies compared a total of 108 elementary or high school students with mild learning disabilities placed in either self-contained or regular classes. The studies found no evidence that student growth was greater in the self-contained class, although these students did tend to have a higher academic self-concept. (Author/DB)

A professional development project was designed to support teachers in planning communication interventions with students having moderate/severe mental retardation. Special emphasis was on systemic and personal factors in adopting change and on training activities to foster application of skills. A program evaluation instrument focusing on teacher…

This article traces the historical development of special education in Tanzania and its future prospects. It identifies factors that have helped shape the present state of special education in Tanzania and identifies major problems, including economic problems, lack of a national special education policy, and lack of trained personnel. (Author/DB)

This review examines the variety of approaches taken to meeting the needs of young children (and their families) with disabilities in the South Pacific. The importance of diverse cultural patterns and problems of isolated communities are noted, as is the need to extend services until the entire population is served and ensure sustained services.…

Seven infants and toddlers with severe/profound and multiple learning difficulties were presented with a contingency situation which they could control. Increased responses and positive emotional effects, which were reversed when their control was eliminated, suggested that infants with mental ages as young as two months can detect cause and…

Describes attempts to integrate computer technology into the preservice teacher education program at Lesley College. Topics discussed include technology goals; faculty attitudes; technology in the schools; technological developments; problems; and factors affecting adoption of computer technology, including the need for faculty to learn more about…

Describes the development of a course at the University of California at Davis that integrated computer training for preservice teacher education with student teaching. Perspectives of student teachers, resident teachers, and teacher education faculty are reported; and the need for professional development for teacher education faculty and…