Training Teachers To Plan Staff Development Programs for Rural Schools.

This presentation explains the unique needs of teachers working in rural settings and describes Project CREST (Collaboration for Rural Education Special Teachers). The model teacher training program, currently in operation in Ohio, is funded by a federal grant awarded to Bowling Green State University. The primary components of Project CREST include the following: (1) a one year master's level teacher training program for rural special educators; (2) a one year mentoring program for veteran rural special educators and first year entering rural special educators; (3) skill training in the art of collaboration; and (4) skill training programs in planning and implementing professional development programs. Participants are taught to use collaborative skills in planning for staff development programs, to conduct needs assessments, to plan and implement staff development programs, and to evaluate professional development programs. In addition, participants focus on various aspects of adult learning. While this model for teacher training was developed for use in special education, it could easily be adapted for use in any inservice or preservice teacher education program. Copies of a stages of professional development survey and a needs assessment instrument are appended. (LL)