Teacher workload is a growing problem internationally. In this article, we analyse an attempt by the state education bureaucracy of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to address this through the 'Quality Time Program'. Drawing on labour process theory and Carol Bacchi's framework of 'What's the problem represented to be?', we analyse how the…

Not so long ago the library at the high school in the author's semirural community was perking along every day with the help of one energetic and dedicated library clerk, a few student staffers, and the author, the professional school librarian. About 700 students, and 50 teachers and paraprofessionals access the library on a regular basis. They…

The author's first school librarian position was in her hometown elementary school where she had been a library aide in the fifth grade. The principal spelled out the problems with the situation she would be entering--the school library was the least favorite of the resources, many policies and procedures were antiquated, and the collection needed…

Schools and districts across the country are being subjected to some of the fiercest budget cuts in recent history, even as principals are held increasingly accountable for significantly improving student achievement, particularly in schools labeled "persistently low-achieving." For the 5,000 lowest-performing schools, there is the…

The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is the federal government's core postsecondary data collection program. Approximately 6,800 postsecondary schools are required to complete annual IPEDS surveys on topics including enrollment, graduation rates, and finances. As policymakers have sought additional data to increase…

Reviews a typical opening day for teachers, replete with insufficient socializing, boring speeches, and motivational badgering. Presents alternative models based on (1) outright socializing; or (2) a planned program with staff participation. Empty rituals are a waste of valuable staff time and taxpayers' money. (MLH)

Staffing and scheduling are just one part of a center director's job. Most do not give it the time and attention it needs. It is a task that requires organizational skills and interpersonal skills to put together a staffing pattern that works for the people and the center. In this article, the author shares some of the discoveries she has learned…

School Psychologists in Georgia were asked to review their records of the time expended on a schedule of tasks performed in the process of assessing referred children. The results indicate that a ratio of one school psychologist for each 2,000 students is necessary to provide adequate service. (BW)

Presents a literature review of research concerned with the production of learning resources in higher education. Identifies and discusses six models which may be used to understand the development and reuse of learning resources; considers staff time in the production of resources, and recommends a phenomenographic approach. (Contains 52…

Effects of two interventions on quality of residential care for 39 severely/ profoundly mentally retarded individuals in four living groups were assessed. Although assigning an extra staff member to living groups did not change staff activity distribution, assigning extra tasks to the extra staff member resulted in more time spent on training…

This third in a series of articles on EDIS (Electronic Document Imaging System) technology focuses on organizational issues. Highlights include computer platforms; management information systems; computer-based skills of staff; new technology and change; time factors; financial considerations; document conversion costs; the benefits of EDIS…

Uses the concepts of "capacity" and "consistency ratios" as the means for planning and utilizing faculty capability for research and sponsored project development. Analysis of typical institutional data reveals how an understanding and use of these concepts can provide the research administrator with useful insights into the cost implications of…

This study grew out of a need to assess reference desk data and determine two items: the number of questions handled for the last three years and the times when the desk should be double staffed. Analysis of the data by chi-square standardized residuals identified the days of the week, and the times during the day of heavy and light use. Data sort…

The roles and responsibilities of educational interpreters for children with hearing impairments at the elementary and secondary levels are delineated, and a paradigm for allocating interpreters' time to diverse duties is presented. (MSE)

Effect of administrative rules concerning scheduling on college faculty's productivity is examined. Three potential effects are that rules interact with other rules to produce rigidity; scheduling changes cause greater disruption as rules and rigidity increase; and at some point, rules prohibit creation of a workable schedule for teaching facility…