Many people view commencement from the outside: a wonderful celebration of academic achievement and a time to celebrate graduates' accomplishments. By contrast, the commencement coordinator analyzes and implements each of the smaller parts that culminate in graduates crossing the stage and throwing their caps. The perfect commencement is…

During the Second World War, the Luftwaffe ran a maximum security prisoner of war (POW) camp called "Stalag Luft III," which imprisoned captured Allied air force servicemen. The story of the 1944 escape from Stalag Luft III is one of the most famous stories of the Second World War as described in the firsthand written account and…

Japan's Basic Law on Food Education (Shokuiku kihonho) was enacted in June 2005 as a response to various concerns related to food and nutrition, such as food scandals, an increase in obesity and lifestyle-related diseases and an assumed loss of traditional food culture. The Law defines food education (shokuiku) rather vaguely as the acquisition of…

This fourth article in a series of theoretical essays intended to supplement the introductory financial accounting course is dedicated to the topic of property, plant, and equipment (PP&E), including both the accounting treatment and its related conceptual connections. The paper also addresses the measurement dilemmas, scandalous accounting…

If the world of after-school programs is to be made more coherent, that process will occur mostly (and is being attempted mostly) at the city level. This brief document analyzes the tasks, questions, and challenges associated with what can be described as system-building in the after-school field, focusing on city level efforts. [This report was…

The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) leads a Mission Growth Working Group, which consists of states that are significantly impacted by the growth of military bases. The group includes state representatives appointed by the governors of Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana,…

Offers suggestions for preventive maintenance of school facilities. Argues that Catholic schools are often allowed to crumble due to the focus on excellence in education, as well as a lack of attention to the physical elements of buildings. Asserts that complete school stewardship includes maintenance of the physical asset. Contains example of a…

The key ingredients in starting a new facility are the development and implementation of a training master plan. Other elements include specifically defined training objectives, trained supervisors to implement programs, and an evaluation process. A follow-up training procedure is necessary to ensure that learning continues. (SK)

Designing environmental interpretation facilities and programs to satisfy the needs of the visually impaired requires innovation and adaptation. Physical barriers should be eliminated and multisensory communication methods emphasized. Meeting the (design) requirements of the visually handicapped can enhance the interpretive experiences of all…

This report projects 12-year enrollment demand for California's three public higher education systems, analyzes campus physical capacity and projected capital outlay costs, and discusses economic trends and California's ability to sell bonds to finance future higher education construction. The report is a major update to a 1995 report, "A…

Describes the planning and opening of Holy Cross Central School's (HCCS) (Indiana) new K-8 building in Indianapolis. Reports that HCCS's old building was more than 100 years old and was not meeting the needs of the students. States that new elements, such as a computer lab, support the basic Catholic school curriculum. (NB)

Discusses new trend among community colleges to build student housing, which helps meet existing needs and serves as a recruitment tool, especially for international students. Describes housing programs at several community colleges, one of which has increased its student diversity--and its enrollment--significantly. (NB)

Briefly comments on playgrounds, buildings, teaching materials, teacher training, and other aspects of preschool education in Tonga. (Author/MS)

Compares two types of facilities for development and revision of videodisc materials: a film-based premastery system and a video-based system. The first has advantages of lower initial costs, while the second is better for quality, time, and recurring cost savings. (Author/JEG)

The rights of female athletes in colleges are discussed. Schools are required to accommodate the interests and abilities of all students so that each sex has equal opportunity to participate in athletics. (JD)