Writing a textbook is close to a unique experience in the work of a psychologist. In this article, we discuss the steps authors need to take in preparing to write a textbook. We take the reader through a series of steps, from formulating an idea for a textbook to negotiating a contract. Writing a textbook can be one of the greatest joys of a…

English practice activities can be a great medium for positive youth development. Worldwide, young people are aware of the increased opportunities available to those with English language skills, creating a high demand for quality English education. As a result, Youth in Development Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) are often asked to teach English.…

In recent years, research that has identified instructional leadership as a key ingredient in effective schools has meant that attention has been directed increasingly at the ways in which future school administrators are being prepared. As a consequence, many universities have worked to develop administrator preparation programs that will enable…

School choice is a common sense idea that gives all parents the power and freedom to choose their child's education, while encouraging healthy competition among schools and other institutions to better serve students' needs and priorities. It is a public policy that allows a parent/guardian or student to choose a district, charter, or private…

The U.S. labor market is increasingly demanding a more educated workforce. Of the 48 million job openings projected for the next eight years, 63 percent will require some postsecondary education. For many of these job openings, workers will need at least a high school diploma but not necessarily a four-year degree. To successfully increase the…

The article offers guidelines for organizing a Quiz Bowl for middle school gifted students. Figures are included on study and quiz questions, a sample elimination and tournament schedule, and rules and regulations. (SB)

A decade ago, before the tech boom collapsed and the digital economy bubble burst, it seemed to some that issues surrounding information technology (IT) might be central to the politics of the early 21st century. But after September 11, 2001, with so much else on everyone's minds, "digital politics" seemed a boring sideshow. Technocrats,…

Many administrators and educators have questioned the wisdom of establishing competitive goals for forensic programs. Many appear to believe that the acceptance of competitive goals necessarily leads to such abusive behavior as atheoretical teaching, the prioritizing of style over substance, the promotion of education shortcuts, and the…

In volleyball officiating, two areas of concern are overlapping and ball-handling calls. Overlapping involves the illegal positioning of players during the contact of the serve by the server. It is imperative that officials be able to recognize overlapping violations in order also to recognize back line player violations. Consistency in ball…

School restructuring is a process of reform that attempts to reconcile idealistic aspirations of educators with the realities of large public schools. While most educators have high expectations for their students, the impersonal structure of public schools is an obstacle to achieving these goals. In order to be effective, teachers must know the…

Developing an effective school or district academic competition program that highlights as many academic areas as possible while showcasing the achievements of individual students requires thoughtful assessment and planning. The School Academic Competition Inventory provides a way to determine the potential for such a program. If the potential…

Assertiveness training models show shortcomings in those situations where assertiveness results in stalemates or conflicts, or both. Deadlocks may occur when antagonists demonstrate appropriate assertive behavior. Conflict management using problem-solving skills allows individuals to learn appropriate methods of dealing with conflictual or…

Considers the American Counseling Association's (ACA) position on noncompetition agreements between employers and employees in light of case law from other service professions. Concludes that ACA members are uninformed and available sources of information do not provide needed information. Proposes guidelines for responding to this issue.…

An intramural gymnastic competition, if properly organized, can foster student and community interest in gymnastics. Aspects of organization and essential preplanning include: directing, judging, scoring, and managing. (JN)

While the trampoline reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, the frequency of accidental injuries prompted physical education departments to discontinue its use in student athletic activities. Safety guidelines are provided for reinstating the trampoline in recreational programs. (JN)