If we could survey academic chief executive search committees across higher education, a composite definition of reference checking would likely include verification of factual information such as dates of employment, job titles, and responsibilities, as well as an evaluation of successful performance and leadership skills. Although everyone would…

This book tells a fascinating story about the realities of urban education in America. It provides new insights on teacher selection and preparation, curriculum, school takeovers, federal legislation, the role of business, and the impact of the civil rights movement on urban schools. The result is a new perspective on what educational reform…

In the United Kingdom in 1977 a national questionnaire survey was conducted by the University of Sheffield (England) under the direction of Frank Whitehead with children ages 10-14 years old to discover the kind and extent of children's voluntary reading. In 1994/95, Whitehead's study was replicated in the context of the 1990s. This report…

This book is divided into four parts, each focusing on an important aspect of evaluating, selecting, or using nonfiction books in the classroom. Under Part I--Choosing Quality Nonfiction Literature: Evaluation and Selection--are the following chapters: (1) "Nonfiction Books for Children: New Directions, New Challenges" (Susan Hepler);…

Although educational standards call for children to read information effectively, emphasis on using narrative texts with young readers persists in the early literacy community. This book shows that nonfiction texts can be as effective as narrative in early reading instruction, and offers suggestions for developing classroom libraries and choosing…

Admission processes at community colleges typically use open door or "first-come, first-served" practices. This type of policy allows all applicants, regardless of prior experience or educational background, to have the same chance of admission into programs. As the number of applications increases, it becomes necessary to investigate…

This study identifies factors associated with the successful hiring of Hispanic faculty in Texas. It focuses on institutional, environmental, and recruitment factors in its examination of hiring patterns in Texas community colleges, where Hispanics continue to be severely underrepresented among faculty. College administrators and Hispanic faculty…

As all educators face the pressures of accountability, it has become more important to hire effective teachers skilled at fostering outstanding academic achievement. This book is designed to provide both school administrators and teachers with information and inspiration about what goes into being an effective teacher. Chapter 1 describes a…

A survey was conducted to learn what Kentucky high school students think about the pursuit of learning opportunities after high school and how they are investing their time in anticipation of possible postsecondary attendance. The survey was sent to 3,000 16- and 17-year-olds, and nearly 1,100 responded. Nearly all were planning to go on for more…

First Things First is a comprehensive intervention to transform low-performing public schools with high percentages of non-White and at-risk students. It encompasses major changes in school structure, instruction, and accountability and governance. The program model, which is grounded both in research and the best practices of schools serving…

The use of literature circles has been discussed in a variety of academic journals, conference papers, and workshops. Teachers at all grade levels use literature circles as a vehicle through which students learn to: think critically about literature; express their thoughts in oral and written forms; and better enjoy their literacy experiences.…

Over the next decade, distance learning will provide counselor preparation programs with a host of both opportunities and challenges. This user-friendly handbook helps counselor educators develop skills to teach students who are participating in distance learning classes. The purpose of this book is to help counselor educators and other faculty…

This study examines the career plans and experiences of newly certified teachers and teachers with one to five years of teaching experience in the Illinois public schools. During Fall 2001, the three groups reported here were surveyed via telephone about their employment experiences, their intended career plans, the reasons behind the decisions of…

This report provides data on four measures of gender equity for faculty at over 1,400 colleges and universities. The four indicators compared in the report for men and women faculty are employment status (full- and part-time); tenure status for full-time faculty; promotion to full professor rank; and average salary for full-time faculty. The…

By fall 2005, the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), the first federally funded voucher program in the United States, was in its second year serving low-income students in the nation's capital. More than 5,800 students have applied to the Program over the 2 years, and about 2,300 of them--eligible public school students who participated in…