Reviews three computer software programs that can enhance children's story writing: (1) Sunbuddy Writer; (2) Sierra's School House; and (3) Snoopy's Campfire Stories. Describes the capabilities and features of each program as well as the possibilities for expansion. (AA)

Analyzes the California Supreme Court case "Randi W. v. Muroc Joint Unified School District." The court determined that letters of recommendation, which had omitted mentioning allegations of improper sexual conduct with students, were deceptively incomplete. Writers of letters have three choices: refuse to write a letter, write a fully…

A study involving 12 elementary schools investigated hiring and placement decisions of school district-level personnel and principals. Findings indicate inequities in the quality of leadership and instruction in the inner-city schools exacerbate efforts to reduce disproportionate placements of culturally and linguistically diverse children into…

Suggests that children's books can socialize children to cultural norms, including gender roles. Maintains that male images are more dominant in children's literature than are female images. Provides guidelines for analyzing children's books for sexism. Includes an annotated bibliography of books for 4- to 6-year-olds that break gender role…

Investigated current levels of faculty supply and demand at 752 American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education member institutions. Survey data indicate that demand is greater than supply, shortages are more critical in some program areas than others (e.g., early childhood and special education), the percentage of minority hires has…

Addresses the need for further research into three important areas of electronic publishing: how the change to digital information sources is affecting the scholarly work of college and university students; when libraries select electronic journals, how products offered to them or the delivery models they choose influence scholarship and the way…

Discusses the use of technology--cassette players, television, videotapes, and computers--to support learning in early childhood settings. Maintains that technology can engage children as active learners and support skill development in several areas. Discusses placement and positioning of computers in early childhood classrooms, computer software…

Key considerations for designing reading practice include determining the most effective methods to store word meanings for fluent retrieval during word recognition, making practice stimulating, determining whether practice ought to occur within or without the context of extended text, and addressing whether a target instructional objective is…

Outlines outcomes of a survey which invited Australian Head Teachers of English to identify the major strengths and challenges of new Stage 6 Higher School Certificate courses. Reveals that teachers see the great potential for their students to be challenged and enthused by the courses. Notes significant anxiety and lack of assurance among…

This article provides an overview of the critical elements of emergent literacy, discusses specific strategies for using storybooks with preschoolers to facilitate language development and emergent literacy skills, and provides specific strategies for children learning English as a second language. Sample phonological awareness activities are also…

Discussed is the importance or unimportance of including visuals and illustrations in science textbooks. Characteristics of visuals, misconceptions, individual student differences, publishers views, and recommendations to science teachers when choosing science texts are included. (KR)

Media ranking of colleges is often superficial and only further confuses families and prospective students. In addition, some colleges are excluding students to present a "selective" profile. Rationality in admissions can return, when parents and students become knowledgeable about the process, counselors interpret changes, and colleges give…

Offers five guidelines for teaching slow readers: (1) use age-appropriate content; (2) build background and highlight key concepts; (3) keep assignments short; (4) focus on only a few skills and strategies; and (5) practice the chosen objectives to achieve success. (MG)

Describes how analysis of the circulation of federal government publications over a 40-month period at Western Illinois University revealed patterns of usage that allowed the library to make more informed collection management decisions. The most frequently circulated classes of government documents are listed as a guide for other depository…

Provides guidelines for young adult librarians developing nonprint media collections. The discussion covers the formation of collection development policies, the need to involve the community in policies, and material selection criteria. Bibliographies of guides and reviewing sources are included. (CLB)