In recent years, ample research has shown that preschoolers choose selectively who to learn from, preferring, for example, to learn novel words from a previously accurate over a previously inaccurate model. But this research has not yet resolved what cognitive foundations such selectivity builds upon. The present article reports 2 studies that…

To complete any academic tasks using information from the Internet, undergraduate students first have to select the appropriate sources. However, the types of justifications that undergraduates provide for source selection and how these justifications may be impacted by task characteristics have been underexamined. This study explored…

A pre-experimental case study design was used to explore the value of intrinsic motivation in mobile eBook reading among 30 Grade 1 child participants. Data collection comprised pre- and post-test motivation questionnaires and researcher field notes. Child participants' enjoyment of mobile eBooks corresponded to 3 motivational aspects of intrinsic…

Special collections libraries collect and preserve materials of intellectual and cultural heritage, providing access to unique research resources. As their holdings continue to expand, special collections in research libraries confront increased space pressures. Off-site storage facilities, used frequently by research libraries for general…

This study examines a mid-west elementary school transitioning from a school-within-a-school calendar, offering both year-round and traditional calendars, to a year-round only calendar. The satisfaction of teachers and families with the transition, and the factors that teachers and families consider in making a calendar selection, were examined…

Beginning teachers face significant challenges as they assume the complex work of teaching while they are still learning to teach. In addition to the activities involved with learning to effectively teach, they must also learn to work with others; collaborate with colleagues, administrators, paraprofessionals, and parents; and manage varied…

This article is a mixed-methods exploration of the levels of stereotypic views about gifted individuals held by current and future educators. Because educators are often asked to provide recommendations for participation in gifted programs, it is important to determine whether those recommendations are based, in part, on stereotypic thinking.…

This publication contains the analysis instrument developed by the California Ethnic Heritage Program to analyze ethnic studies curricula K-12 and discusses procedures for using the analysis form. The instrument is intended as a training aid to prepare teachers and other persons concerned with education to understand and internalize certain…

The Texas Educator Excellence Grant (TEEG) program was state-funded and provided annual grants to schools to design and implement performance pay plans during the 2006-07 to 2009-10 school year. This report builds on the previous TEEG evaluation reports, presenting findings from three years of the TEEG program. Overall, the report discusses the…

The purpose of this study was to increase motivation in 7th grade students. Four teacher researchers examined the change in motivational levels as a result of choice strategies. They gathered data from four different classes, 101 students in all, to track levels of motivation. They monitored their levels of observable behavioral patterns with a…

This 322-point checklist was designed to help executives make an intelligent choice when selecting a small computer for a business. For ease of use the questions have been divided into ten categories: Display Features, Keyboard Features, Printer Features, Controller Features, Software, Word Processing, Service, Training, Miscellaneous, and Costs.…

This information digest discusses assistive technology for children and adults with mental retardation and other disabilities. Assistive technology is used to compensate for functional limitations and to enhance and increase learning, independence, mobility, communication, environmental control, and choice. Factors to consider when evaluating…

This article describes a project to help educators improve the self-determination of students with disabilities. The project identified critical curricular components and developed a checklist to evaluate the different curricula designed to promote self-determination skills. Five curricula that have published research documenting their…

This PTA report on child care in the 1990s offers advice to parents who face the dilemma of finding appropriate child care. Contents focus on: (1) America's child care crisis; (2) assessment of options; (3) a checklist on what to look for in a day care center; and (4) ways employers can help deal with the child care crisis. Included is a PTA…

Proposes a resource analysis model to help library managers acquire most appropriate integrated online library system. The model examines human, equipment, and fiscal resources of acquiring library and supplying vendor, complementing respective strengths and weaknesses of each. A resource checklist is provided to narrow range of choices to single…