Times are tough for everyone, including public school districts. During the past decade, school districts have faced the dual challenges of tightening budgets and increasing fiscal responsibility and oversight. Many school districts have found a way to manage their assets, reduce staff requirements, increase accountability, and save money on…

A teacher in Iowa introduced computers and a video game that teaches typing skills into her typing classroom. The game is successfully helping students master typing skills. (MD)

The growing popularity of video cassette recorders (VCR) and video cameras is opening up new frontiers in communications and entertainment. A glossary of the most commonly used video terms was compiled to aid in the informed selection of a VCR system. (Author/MLF)

Describes a low cost alarm system that schools can use to detect intruders. (MLF)

The Schoolwriter is a typewriter available at nearly half the price of competing machines. Schools in Minnesota and Maryland have purchased it for classroom machines and have had substantial savings. (MD)

Optical Character Recognition Scanners (OCR) scan typed text and feed it directly into word processing systems, saving input time. OCRs are valuable in word processing training programs because they allow more students access to classes and more time for skill training. (MD)

Using Keene "Director" fixtures, a Rotterdam, New York, school will save over $16,000 annually and have improved classroom light. These fixtures will pay for themselves in 3-4 years, halving the wattage used per square foot; they direct 40 percent of their light upward to provide uniform, glare-free lighting. (MCG)

Hobbs Window Insulation, an inexpensive polyester material, can reduce heat loss or gain through single-pane glass by 70 percent. The product is translucent, has an insulative value of R-3, and is easy to install and remove. (MCG)

Examines the characteristics of three types of motion detectors: Doppler radar, infrared, and ultrasonic wave, and how they are used on school buses to prevent students from being killed by their own school bus. Other safety devices cited are bus crossing arms and a camera monitor system. (MLF)

Schools may be a significant source of radon exposure for children and staff. Describes radon detection kits and technologies, when to use them, and what action to take given the results of a radon test. (MLF)

Over 35 firms have listed software applications that can be used by schools in third annual "School Business Software Directory." Each listing includes the name of the software and a general description of its utility. Tables provide detailed listings of the software's functions, type of support the company provides, and the hardware on which the…

A discussion of savings of water and hot water heating fuel and an appropriate means of choosing the right products. (Author/MLF)

A Colorado school district chose self-testing, self-diagnostic emergency lighting equipment, specially designed to monitor all phases of an emergency lighting unit's operation and performance. (MLF)

Over 37 firms have listed more than 90 software applications that can be used by schools. Each listing includes the name of the software and a general description of its utility. Tables provide detailed listings of the software's functions, the type of support the company provides, and the hardware on which the software can be run. (MLF)

Describes the advantages of EPDM, a single-ply rubber roofing system, and the experience of using it in reroofing eight public schools in the Logansport, Indiana, School District. (MLF)