Reports results of survey of purchasing patterns of school libraries in Ontario, Canada, for five periodicals--"OWL,""Chickadee,""Hibou,""Ranger Rick," and "World." Reasons for purchasing magazines, magazine use, personnel background, materials budget, and a discussion of those libraries not…

Profiles 24 microcomputers used by educators in elementary and secondary schools, presenting information from manufacturers (price, memory, languages, keyboard, screen display, graphics, sound, color, networking, compatible machine) and teacher commentary. Four micro-guides dealing with understanding specifications, finding hardware reviews,…

Examines two kinds of microcomputer software designed for school administrators--student/class scheduling and attendance reporting. A product information chart on 16 software programs is included. (JJD)

The business practices of corporations are compared to those of public schools. Big business practices that could be adapted to schools include better utilization of facilities; differentiation of staff; bidding for, and consolidation of purchases; and public relations programs. (MLF)

The purchaser of wooden play equipment should check a variety of manufacturers before selecting a specific brand. The "Value Comparison Method" of purchasing playground equipment allows the consumer to make a valid comparison of many types of equipment. (JN)

Discusses factors to be considered in the selection of microcomputers for school use (components, cost, reliability, serviceability, who will use them, applications, input and output requirements, processing, storage, etc.), and describes the development of a computer area for a multiple activity lab. (CT)

This article describes how classroom discussion and field trips can be used to teach students with disabilities to engage in comparative shopping and informed choice making when they dine in fast food restaurants. (JDD)

This article presents tips on financing the purchase of wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment for physically disabled children. Parent/dealer cooperation, parental health insurance coverage, governmental programs, doctors' prescription letters, and community resources are discussed. Eight potential funding sources are listed along with contact…

This study found that a videotape instructional package (involving viewing videotapes, on-site prompting, and reinforcement) was effective in helping 3 children (ages 8-9) with autism to acquire and generalize grocery purchasing skills in community settings. Skill acquisition was rapid and transferred to other settings. (Author/JDD)

This article describes a functional mathematics activity to help secondary students with mild disabilities develop critical thinking, calculation, and reasoning skills by evaluating the "rent-to-own" option for furnishing an apartment. Suggestions address needed materials, prerequisite skills, procedures, sample worksheets, and modifications. (DB)

Discusses benefits of an Integrated Learning System (ILS) and addresses concerns that need to be considered during the selection process. Highlights include the evaluation process; initial and ongoing costs; installation in either a lab setting or distributed placement in the classrooms; scheduling; and daily management. (LRW)

Parents play a role in their children's consumer education by helping them distinguish between consumer necessities and digressionary consumption practices. Strategies for children's consumer education are outlined, and programs for money management are described. (LB)

Outlines the steps and actions followed by a furniture and equipment consultant in ensuring an efficient and effective job of furniture and equipment ordering, delivery, and installation in an overseas school situation. (MLF)

Proposes regional consortia of school districts that would buy instructional software; create communications networks; develop teaching and training methods; develop effective techniques for administrative management and support; and identify and advocate specific research needs. (MLF)

School transportation experts consider the following essential rules in purchasing school buses: know your geography; know federal and state regulations; write specifications carefully; plan for replacement and growth; check out prospective bidders; keep up with recent trends; and remain flexible. New Jersey enacted a law last year requiring seat…