Unlike so much of the current vocabulary in education and technology that seems to stir more confusion than clarity, most public service librarians may already have a general idea about digital badges. As visual representations of individual accomplishments, competencies or skills that are awarded by groups, institutions, or organizations, they…

Within the US Department of Education's new flexibility initiative, there are three key and fundamental areas of focus, each referred to as a "principle." The second of these is that State Education Agencies (SEAs) must develop and implement differentiated recognition, accountability, and support to assure that all students are taught by…

Just when one thinks every topic has been covered to the fullest, somehow, talented writers, creative artists, and forward-thinking editors come up with new takes and fresh angles. This is particularly true of the books selected as the best of 2009. The hallmarks of the nonfiction this year include some unusual scientists, from two brothers who…

The International Year of Astronomy 2009 (IYA2009) is a global celebration of astronomy and its contributions to society and culture initiated by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and UNESCO. Through local, national and international events, the organization wants to help the citizens of the world connect with the universe through the day…

Presents a brief history of the Coretta Scott King Award, which recognizes literature by African-American authors and illustrators. Provides a list of the 2000 Award Winners with descriptions and cover pictures, followed by a list of 2001 Winners. (AEF)

This book was compiled to provide information on what the compilers believe to be the 1000 most significant topics in science and technology. Topics cover basic discoveries as well as practical inventions and the main body of the book is arranged alphabetically by the name of the invention or the discovery. Each entry provides a brief description…

This study delves into the intricacies of the "Who's Who" publishing enterprise to try to understand its purposes and its appeal. Surveyed were all the organizations and publishers claiming to render recognition services for high school students. The purpose in soliciting information was to develop some guidelines which would be helpful to high…

Included in this annotated bibliography of 11 publications on merit pay are reports covering various approaches to merit increases and the successes of a merit pay program in California's Round Valley School District, an Educational Research Service review of current research and practice on merit and incentive pay for teachers, an ERIC…

This final performance report for Project VIA (Volunteers In Action), a collaborative program between the El Paso Public Library and El Paso Community College (EPCC), begins with a section that provides quantitative data. The next section compares actual accomplishments to the following project goals for 1992-93: (1) to recruit and train 140…