Describes how the author uses numerous books of biography and autobiography in her primary classroom. Demonstrates how these genres engage students in critical discussions focusing on issues of human experience, historical significance, and social concern. Offers a list of 47 recommended children's biographies and autobiographies. (SR)

Discussion of the responsibility of school library media specialists for collection development and management focuses on the need to include materials on women's studies. Highlights include justifying collection expenditures; collection development guidelines; identifying relevant materials by genre; and the media specialists' curricular role.…

Discusses how academic social science librarians can select appropriate materials on mental health topics. Topics include characteristics of mental health systems and how they relate to collection development; relationships between employment opportunities for therapists and severity of mental illness; and controversies related to therapy and…

Current British educational developments related to market forces and school choice are examined in terms of educational demand, supply side characteristics, and the regulatory structure of choice. Results from panel study interviews in England and Scotland suggest that concerns about increased inequality among secondary schools are justified,…

Describes the effectiveness of censoring software, the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program, virtual book reports, technology uses in language-arts instruction, the latest school-technology information, and strategies for dealing with kids who send threats on the Internet. (LMI)

In response to campus demands for decentralization at the University of Florida, personnel services turned more of the hiring process over to campus administrators. The new, decentralized system, facilitated by an electronic employment system, expedited the hiring process and gave departments more discretion in interviewing and selection. The…

Presents six brief articles by six Arizona teachers offering their reflections about practices, strategies, and vision as they make changes toward a multicultural curriculum. (SR)

Seven high school students of English as a Second Language (ESL) underwent a short course of reading strategy training, including learner needs assessment, focus on why and when strategies are used, and carefully selected reading texts. Six of seven improved reading comprehension in at least one of two measures, supporting the notion that reading…

Examines the practical realities of upgrading Intel personal computers in libraries, considering budgets and technical personnel availability. Highlights include adding RAM; putting in faster processor chips, including clock multipliers; new hard disks; CD-ROM speed; motherboards and interface cards; cost limits and economic factors; and…

Faced with an applicant pool deficient in credentials and classroom skills, savvy administrators can spot applicants' potential, discerning those individuals likely to blossom into effective teachers. Important qualities include a strong work ethic, people and communication skills, and enthusiasm for teaching. Deciphering hidden meanings behind…

Summarizes findings of a two-year study of two locally managed Welsh secondary schools' need for support and resources. Discusses resource needs resulting from expansion and diversification of the sixth-form curriculum. Discusses implications of encouraging students to stay on in the sixth form and the factors influencing their decision making.…

Provides an excellent annotated bibliography of children's trade books, fiction, poetry, and miscellaneous works about the Oregon Trail. Includes a concise overview of the hardships faced by settlers as they followed the trail during the westward expansion. A bibliography of reference sources at the end of the article also is very useful. (MJP)

Argues that the illuminating, conceptual, and contextual qualities of literature make it an excellent resource for teaching social studies concepts, especially those concerning multiculturalism. Advocates reading the books as complete works rather than piecemeal assignments. Includes suggestions for selected books and related topics. (MJP)

Describes a study that applied marketing and advertising theory to recruit community-college business faculty. The reactions of male and female target applicants to recruitment advertisements and job descriptions were assessed, with differences found between the two groups. Discusses results, and implications for practice, theory and research. (36…

Discusses the development of interactive multimedia learning modules and describes the decisions and processes involved in transforming a traditional lecture in medical sociology into an interactive online learning module at the University of Cambridge (United Kingdom). Considers method of delivery, including the World Wide Web; media choices; and…