Describes the development of the Self-Training and Evaluation Program (STEP), a performance-based professional development program for college instructors teaching in an individualized performance-based instructional system. The DACUM (Developing A Curriculum) model, consisting of a skill profile that serves as a curriculum plan and an evaluation…

Explores the role of the community college, in cooperation with federal agencies and local technology-oriented enterprises, in transferring the results of federal research and development to domestic applications. College functions include: community information, technology transfer and career education, technical assistance, needs assessment, and…

Members of Special Libraries Association (SLA) were surveyed to determine whether they participated in continuing education activities, and, if so, the types of programs they preferred. It was found that they are active participants in continuing education programs, especially those dealing with online database searching and those sponsored by…

Discusses how teachers turn an idea into a meaningful lesson. Suggests class brainstorming, using community resources, library searches, and further classroom activities. (YP)

Research on computers in schools is reviewed. The findings include the following: (1) 53 percent of schools have computers; (2) restructuring classroom schedules and revising inservice programs would expand computer use; (3) software packages should allow for individual differences; (4) publishers are coordinating software with curriculum; and (5)…

The hypothesis is examined that, in British Columbia, when variables measuring socioeconomic status, district resources, and basic district characteristics are controlled, no significant differences between aggregated student achievement will remain. Results suggest that districts are significant sources of achievement variation and that…

Compares a real world model of literacy instruction (where reading is an integral component of everyday functioning) with actual classroom instruction to suggest that, at least in some content classes, this model is not operative. (NKA)

A Challenge Committee comprised of the school librarian, principal, counselor, a district consultant, and teachers developed a junior high school gifted program that incorporated student interests, teacher talent, and community resources. The program's success stemmed from opportunities for teacher ownership, administrative support, parent and…

Discusses the conflicts and controversies associated with public acceptance of certain teaching materials and textbooks. Cites specific court cases and outlines the issues involved in the adoption process. Reviews efforts taken by different states in addressing the quality of instructional materials. (ML)

The author argues that quality in schooling can be attained or judged only in relation to what are conceived to be the purposes of schooling, and that concepts of the purposes of schooling differ within the society and change according to the changing circumstances of the society. (CT)

Discusses the changing function of the modern zoo from its merely recreational role to its newly emerging role as preserver of species, educator, and center for research. Describes the San Diego Zoo as the model for the modern zoo and provides tips for planning field trips to a zoo. (JM)

Analysis of emergence of learning resources concept and interactive education principles as special phenomena in library science highlights a paradigm for librarianship, evolution of standards for school and college libraries as conceptual models, and textbooks in school librarianship, the library college, and for librarianship in higher…

Divides curriculum development into 10 steps to aid administrators at the local level in planning for whole systems or for single courses. (JW)

The "Quest for Less" is designed for teachers in grades K-8 to use as one of the many tools in the development of lesson plans. Activities and concepts in this resource can be incorporated into existing curricula, or teachers can create special week-long units on the environment and solid waste or use the activities to commemorate Earth Day. This…

Drawing from the information presented at a conference sponsored by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology in Education Consortium, educators, researchers, and policymakers translate theory into practice to provide a hands-on resource that describes different models for scaling up success. This resource…