Full Circle Programs is an organization providing family preservation and reunification services. Full Circle responds to families uniquely, rather than according to predetermined models. Medical testing, counseling, and practical assistance are provided. (BC)

Reviews the use of microfilm as an acquisitions and preservation tool in academic libraries, and discusses how this use has fallen short of predictions that microfilm would revolutionize research methodology and scholarly productivity. This history is used to provide cautionary guidance in approaching the era of electronic documentation. (35…

The use of peer review for federal research impact evaluation is described. Advanced review processes can improve the efficiency of a review, but the most important factors in a quality review are leader motivation and the competence and independence of review team members. No single method provides complete impact evaluation. (SLD)

Murfreesboro (Tennessee) City Schools extended the school day and year with no additional cost to taxpayers. Implementation was arduous and faced great resistance. Eventual solution made better use of the school system's capital assets and human resources, rearranged Chapter 1 money, required additional business support and parents' willingness to…

A New Jersey school board supplied computer work stations and extensive educational technology to each elementary school classroom. Explains strategies to finance the technology and train both teachers and parents. Cites "Report on the Effectiveness of Technology in Schools, 1990-92," by the Interactive Educational Systems Design. (MLF)

Vocational-technical education can play a substantial role in work force preparation if (1) unfounded assumptions are avoided; (2) supply/demand information is improved; and (3) equity effects of different policy options are examined. More educated trainees often benefit more from training than less educated ones. (SK)

Decentralized training was used by a U.S. corporation to improve the skills of its Latin American service technicians. The decentralized approach proved a cost-effective way to provide up-to-date training with sensitivity to different cultural contexts. (SK)

Cites the advantages and disadvantages for school districts of centralized food preparation and of the different food systems such as hot food systems, transporting cold or frozen food, and cook-chill systems. (MLF)

In response to concerns about the cost of keeping up with individual desktop computing technology, several new solutions have emerged. Referred to as "thin clients," or network-centric computers, they include two types of desktop device: the network computer and the Windows terminal. Purchase cost, life span, support costs, and overall total cost…

Explains how putting the construction manager at greater risk for the projects he or she manages is of benefit to school districts. Why the low-bid process doesn't work and why school districts are still using it are discussed. (GR)

Minor disagreements can quickly escalate when a child feels threatened with losing face or fears retaliation. Peer-mediation programs can help students refocus their energies while learning communication skills they can use in other situations. The benefits of an Oregon elementary school's peer-mediation program are discussed. (MLH)

An outspoken college fundraiser feels colleges and universities should spend development efforts on large gifts, through planned giving, and less time and money courting other sources, including annual funds. He argues that most colleges mistakenly try to emulate large, well-established institutions with large alumni pools. Focusing on young,…

Reviews the "Access America" report which was published in 1997 as a follow up to the National Performance Review, an assessment of federal government operations and procedures. Discusses future goals of the use of electronic services and information technology to improve government operations, systems integration, cost reduction,…

A Goals 2000 grant enabled Rutland Northeast (Vermont) Supervisory District to conduct a year-long unit-design project for K-12 teachers and university interns. Participants reported a sharpened focus for classroom activity, with purpose clearly defined by authentic tasks and rubrics. Freeing time for unit development represents a cost recoverable…

Discusses the time and expense required to create interactive multimedia courses, and describes the Synergy project that combines a performance support system with authoring systems to accelerate the design and development process. Examples of screen displays are included. (Author/LRW)