Describes Back Shed, a group of New Zealand heritage conservationists who center their work in lifelong learning. Situates their activities in the context of the learning city, a community development concept that mobilizes learning resources across many sectors. Discusses heritage conservation as a process of meaning making. (Contains 29…

Describes recent research on language maintenance to provide broad, worldwide coverage of different language contact situations. Surveys various countries in which research within ethnic and minority language communities illuminates language maintenance or shift, or revitalization, for that group. (Author/VWL)

Describes how a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), a centralized maintenance operations database that facilitates work order procedures and staff directives, can help individual school campuses and school districts to manage maintenance. Presents the benefits of CMMS and things to consider in CMMS selection. (EV)

Describes how using skylights and other daylighting methods can improve the efficiency of a school facility, enhancing the learning environment and simplifying maintenance. (EV)

Managed care organization employees (n=115) attended case management training that included case studies, problem solving and communication skills, and focus on internal capability. Three-month follow-up showed that case managers now ask more questions, have more confidence, mentor new employees, and work with greater accuracy. (SK)

Reports on a study of the early lexical acquisition of two children who acquired Spanish and English simultaneously. Data provide strong counter evidence to Faingold's (1996) proposal that children acquiring languages not closely related tend to favor a reduction strategy, whereas those acquiring closely related languages favor a maintenance…

Modern playgrounds provide a system of linked play modules used with creative accessories to yield a series of interaction options for children. These designs offer opportunities for physical development, mental enhancement and imaginative play, and they are easy to maintain. (JD)

Followed 153 smokers who attempted to quit smoking without treatment. Nineteen percent were abstinent at two-year follow-up. Use of multiple strategies was associated with two-year abstinence. Variables associated with short-term cessation were generally unrelated to long-term outcome, although strong motivation to quit was important for both…

Traces the development of Native American literatures as following a pattern of cultural revitalization. Examines how these literatures are being incorporated into the national literary canon and subjected to institutionalized domination at the same time that they are serving as a vehicle for indigenous political resistance and revitalization. (SV)

Ethnographic data on the development of British culture and identity among 128 children ages 8-11 showed an incipient awareness of the new racism among the older children. Findings suggest that antiracist education and multicultural education should be taught in primary schools. (JOW)

A Louisiana school district has cut equipment repair costs by 50 percent and reduced the repair time for most damaged equipment by offering part-time supplemental employment to school staff. (MLF)

To reduce the chance of buying computer lemons, school system purchasing offices should devise and issue their own specifications for prospective vendors. Specs should include both general and specific requirements for microcomputers, drives, and monitors; maintenance and repair services; and delivery and performance testing. A sidebar outlines…

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, playgrounds and their equipment are linked to more than 100,000 injuries requiring emergency care each year. National Safety Council guidelines are provided concerning playground surfaces, equipment, and design. Suggestions are also given for maintaining playgrounds and making them safer.…

Provides examples on ways to make locker room maintenance easier and their use more student-friendly. Improvements include use of indoor-outdoor carpeting with numerous floor drains to cut mildew buildup, adequate ventilation to reduce musty smells, better hot water management, ceramic tiles to reduce water-damage repair and painting needs, and…

Presents background information on the 1998 recipient of the third annual National School Plant Manager of the Year award and those receiving honorable mentions. The recipients are described as exemplifying the evolving role of the school facilities manager. (GR)