To help teachers stay abreast of changes in language usage, this update presents 100 alphabetically arranged short answers to questions often asked by teachers, parents, and students. The guide takes a "style" approach to usage, providing answers that draw attention to the language choices and flexibilities available in particular situations. For…

Solutions to two problems are proposed: (1) a lack of help in social services due to the state of the economy, rising unemployment, and cuts in government support; and (2) fewer opportunities for career preparation and training programs. It is suggested that increased volunteerism would alleviate the problems while helping people learn job skills,…

This report discusses the graphic strategies available to editors for positioning the day's news. The purposes of the report are: (1) to introduce those in charge of designing the newspaper page to the structural approach to design (the structural approach is defined as incorporating horizontal and vertical structures in the available spaces,…

This research bulletin provides criteria and procedures for determining the readiness of children to enter kindergarten early. The first section of the bulletin reviews the results of a literature search conducted to delineate areas of development from which admissions criteria should be defined. The review of the literature disclosed the…

School districts with successful teacher evaluation programs all treat evaluation as a major district responsibility, allocate considerable resources to evaluation, carry out the programs as planned, keep administrators and teachers well informed about the plan, develop methods for ensuring the competence of evaluators, and use the evaluation…

One of a series dealing with current issues affecting language arts instruction, this paper brings into focus some of the issues surrounding textbooks in the schools so that informed decisions can be made regarding textbook selection and use. The major portion of the paper explores professional opinions regarding textbooks, noting the following:…

Extracurricular activities in secondary schools are an important part of student preparation for adult life. This document presents guidelines on the components, administration, and evaluation of student activities. It suggests that a comprehensive activity program should include student government, publications, cultural activities, service…

Guidelines are provided for disseminating information on teacher corps projects. Information is given on experienced disseminators such as existing networks that are available to help in planning. Suggestions are made on targeting information and marketing. (JD)

An exploratory study of what 5- and 6-year-old children can and will do when provided with certain kinds of computer experiences is described. The purpose of the study was to determine whether tutee programs can engage and sustain the learning energy of 5-year-olds. A total of 22 kindergarten children attended 8 or 12 90-minute sessions at a…

The document stresses that planning is essential to introduce arts programs into the schools and provides suggestions for the planning process. Elements of a good planning process include clearly stated goals and objectives, efficient use of existing resources, a survey of local conditions, involvement of influential school officials and community…

This document provides a sampling of financial resources for fine arts programs in the schools and lists methods for submitting proposals and dealing with sponsors of funds. Financial sources for arts programs include school districts, organizations and institutions, special events, direct mail, individuals, associations and clubs, businesses and…

Attention is drawn to the dynamics of criterion-referenced test (CRT) construction in this report. How CRT's are developed at the Instructional Objectives Exchange is described through a series of three steps. The procedures pertain to the construction of "off the shelf" as well as "customized" tests. Step one, isolating the…

This bulletin describes a set of general guidelines for developing contingency plans that prepare school systems to cope with expected and unexpected disruptions in the educational process. Typically, contingency plans are prepared to anticipate consequences of school desegregation, natural disasters, bomb threats, or mass demonstrations. The…

This American School and University supplement theme issue provides information from experts in the security industry concerning school violence and its prevention. Articles address the lessons learned from recent school shootings that may help reduce future occurrences, the need for a greater adherence to order in schools to set the stage for a…

This brief guide is intended to aid instructors and counselors in helping students who are exhibiting emotional problems or suicidal behavior. Specific clues which indicate that a student is in emotional trouble or is potentially suicidal are listed along with actions which should be taken and crucial mistakes which should be avoided. (DC)