A study examining the links between cultural orientation and substance use surveyed 2,449 American Indians from 9 South Dakota reservations. After controlling for age, gender, education, and employment, biculturalism and low orientation to American Indian culture were associated with higher levels of alcohol abuse but were not correlated with drug…

Set within the context of New Zealand's national curriculum and culture, a case study describes how a small rural school developed a curriculum designed to preserve the values of its community. Computer-mediated communication, community classes, and projects such as a time capsule were the means that imparted community values and community…

Looks at equipment, process, and training aspects of backpack vacuum cleaners that facilitate good ergonomics and high productivity levels, focusing on: designing new equipment for bodies and productivity; creating comfortable backpack harnesses; improving the work process via team training; and providing ergonomic training to ensure that backpack…

Examines cooperative learning in relation to goals for second language (L2) development, first language (L1) maintenance, and content learning. Investigates how Chinese immigrant students perceive these goals and how they use the L1 and L2 to acquire content knowledge during cooperative learning activities. (Author/VWL)

Explains the need for attention to library environment in terms of conservation, disaster planning, and external environmental factors. Discusses measures adopted at the University of the West Indies Trinidad related to operation and maintenance of buildings and physical plant, describes a workplace evaluation project, and examines factors…

This study examined the contributions of instruction in goal setting and self-instruction on the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of a reading comprehension strategy by 47 students (grades 4-6) with learning disabilities. Results indicate that instruction in goal setting and self-instruction did not augment the comprehension…

Notes that the Maori Language Commission of New Zealand promoted 1995 as a year to celebrate that language. Points out that the Commission endeavored to encourage the Maori people to use their language; to celebrate the historical status of the language; and to generate goodwill toward the language among the general populace. (seven references)…

Presents factors to consider when determining roofing life-cycle costs, explaining that costs do not tell the whole story; discussing components that should go into the decision (cost, maintenance, energy use, and environmental costs); and concluding that important elements in reducing life-cycle costs include energy savings through increased…

Linda Tuhiwai Te Rina Smith--Maori researcher, educator, and activist--discusses key moments in the journey toward decolonization of Maori education, the impact of her book about decolonizing research methodologies, the concept of postcolonialism, challenges to the sustainability of social and educational change, disrupting the power relation…

Linguistic and cultural aspects of the Tongan notion of "malie"--the process of developing interconnected energy flows and engagement between performers and audience--are discussed in the context of the Auckland Secondary Schools Maori and Pacific Islands Cultural Festival. Implications of malie as part of a transformative pedagogy for…

Examines the language planning situation in South Africa, where language has been instrumental in the country's transition from colonialism to apartheid to democracy. Addresses, diachronically and synchronically, the issues of language spread and use, language policy and planning, and language maintenance and shift. (Author/VWL)

Discusses endangerment of the Navajo language, blaming schooling, but noting several other factors that weaken language loyalty. Explains that vernacular literacy, traditional and introduced religion, and political structure have failed to establish a counterforce to language loss. Economic changes have led to new living patterns that, together…

Examines privatization of pupil transportation and suggests that asset ownership may be separated from asset operation. Discusses the advantages of a school district owning its school buses if operation is contracted out. (MLF)

The magnitude of funds needed to rectify the college deferred maintenance crisis make a quick fix unrealistic. However, by increasing funding levels and shifting spending patterns over time, institutions can address the problem without jeopardizing other goals and projects. A consortium of higher education associations recommends a…

Physical facilities represent a substantial investment for institutions of higher education, and the costs for maintenance and operation represent a sizable part of the annual operating budget. Higher education is moving toward a comprehensive form of facilities management to assure that this investment is adequately preserved and effectively…