Analysis of 483 questionnaires returned by general early childhood educators found that most early childhood programs enrolled children with speech-language impairments; mainstreamed programs were more likely to employ speech-language pathologists; employment of speech-language pathologists was not distributed evenly across program types; and more…

Examines two aspects of faculty tenure decisions with ethical implications: criteria used in deciding to retain or dismiss a tenure candidate, and what is possible to judge with reasonable accuracy when evaluating such a candidate. Recommends that narrow, arbitrary evaluation criteria be avoided, including those promoted as "high academic…

In sciences, postdoctoral fellowships have become the terminal academic credential for a research career. Positions are supposed to be temporary, but amount to a holding pattern for many unable to find permanent jobs in research or needing to assemble the required publishing record. Some institutions are beginning to acknowledge this problem and…

Describes the current state of Japanese human resource development, influenced by lifetime employment and seniority practices, and the emerging system, shifting to long-term and performance-based practices. Addresses critical issues: linkages with business strategies, changes in organizational structure, and new evaluation practices. (SK)

Recommends using the National Council for Social Studies' ten thematic strands when teaching children about the "world of work." Provides focus questions and learning activities related to the "world of work" for each strand. (CMK)

A model for calculating on-the-job training costs and benefits was developed and applied to Dutch employer/employee data. The model was used to generate scenarios for policy measures to stimulate lifelong learning, depicting costs and benefits for those in the market for training as well as macroeconomic consequences. (SK)

Presents suggestions for smooth and satisfying transactions between reference librarians and patrons, as well as for better collegial relationships. Highlights include: being prepared to help patrons; staying visible; serving "who's next"; working together and allowing for personal styles; making referrals; and using diplomacy while correcting…

Reviews career-related issues for employees with diverse characteristics and job status. Evaluates 44 psychometrically sound career-assessment instruments for their usefulness in dealing with issues. (SK)

Presents a way to diagnose and solve motivation problems at work. Describes a model based on recent cognitive performance motivation research. Explains the CANE (Commitment And Necessary Effort) model and illustrates with a case study. Discusses the CANE model's applicability in any performance setting. (AEF)

One of three companion reports on the results of a survey on merit pay and incentive plans, this publication focuses on programs for school administrators. The data in the studies, presented largely in table form, are reported separately by four school system enrollment groups (large, medium, small, and very small) and by eight geographic regions.…

One of three companion reports on the results of a survey on merit pay and incentive plans, this publication focuses on programs for school support staff. The data in the studies, presented largely in table form, are reported separately by four school system enrollment groups (large, medium, small, and very small) and by eight geographic regions.…

The conceptualization and measurement of key job characteristics has not changed greatly for most social scientists since the Dictionary of Occupational Titles and Quality of Employment surveys were created, despite their recognized limitations. However, debates over the roles of job skill requirements, technology, and new management practices in…

Rural sociologists have seemingly moved away from an active interest in the plight of migrant farmworkers and the centrality of their labor in the development of U.S. agribusiness. Answering Pfeffer's (1983) call to analyze the different forms of agricultural production, I focus on the key formative period of what I refer to as the U.S. capitalist…

Teacher absenteeism is a formidable obstacle to cost-effective education, academic achievement, orderly school operation, and amiable school-community relations. This study examined the relationship between school district policies on sick leave and teacher attendance rates in Georgia--in particular, the degree to which policy provisions for the…

This book is built around a single concept--structural lag (the tendency of social structures and norms to lag behind people's rapidly changing lives). Each of the 12 chapters explores implications of that concept in a different domain, and all reflect the authors' shared conviction of its importance, both for social theory and for practical…