A Team Approach to Planning and Evaluating Personnel Preparation Programs in Public Schools

Abstract

Utilization of a Personnel Preparation Team for planning and evaluating personnel preparation programs in public school districts within the context of Public Law 94–142 (The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975) is described, outcome evidence supporting the effectiveness of the approach is reported, and considerations in its implementation are discussed. The Team Approach, developed by the author and used in numerous public school districts, has three goals: (a) identification and assessment of the personnel preparation needs of public school district staff; (b) design of a personnel preparation plan consisting of programs that address priority needs; and (c) evaluation of plan implementation and outcome. A Team comprises a cross section of teachers, specialists (e.g., counselors), and administrators. This multidisciplinary approach allows a range of perspectives to be considered when planning and evaluating personnel preparation programs, thereby helping to ensure actual program implementation and expected program outcome.