Provides librarians who are responsible for implementing a new school library with an overview of the process. Topics include ordering circulating and reference books; computer hardware and software; supplies and other miscellaneous items, including other media formats such as videotapes; furniture and shelving; and a time line for planning. (LRW)

Believes that by incorporating fiction and folklore into a social studies unit on Japan, students will benefit from their new perspectives on the world. Notes different literary works that can be implemented. Provides a list of questions to assist social studies teachers with selecting children's literature for use in the classroom. (CMK)

Discusses various issues related to translated books. Provides five points for selection criteria and 46 annotated titles of well-translated literature for students at primary, intermediate, and middle-school levels. Discusses how an increased interest in international books reflects the result of reducing political barriers among nations and the…

A study at the University of Oregon examined distance education, looking at the demographics of the distance-education market, the types of courses best suited to it, and student performance as it related to demographic group. The study found that although certain students do well, it questioned whether there were sufficient numbers of students to…

Describes how the author uses numerous books of biography and autobiography in her primary classroom. Demonstrates how these genres engage students in critical discussions focusing on issues of human experience, historical significance, and social concern. Offers a list of 47 recommended children's biographies and autobiographies. (SR)

Discussion of the responsibility of school library media specialists for collection development and management focuses on the need to include materials on women's studies. Highlights include justifying collection expenditures; collection development guidelines; identifying relevant materials by genre; and the media specialists' curricular role.…

Discusses how academic social science librarians can select appropriate materials on mental health topics. Topics include characteristics of mental health systems and how they relate to collection development; relationships between employment opportunities for therapists and severity of mental illness; and controversies related to therapy and…

Current British educational developments related to market forces and school choice are examined in terms of educational demand, supply side characteristics, and the regulatory structure of choice. Results from panel study interviews in England and Scotland suggest that concerns about increased inequality among secondary schools are justified,…

Describes the effectiveness of censoring software, the Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE) program, virtual book reports, technology uses in language-arts instruction, the latest school-technology information, and strategies for dealing with kids who send threats on the Internet. (LMI)

In response to campus demands for decentralization at the University of Florida, personnel services turned more of the hiring process over to campus administrators. The new, decentralized system, facilitated by an electronic employment system, expedited the hiring process and gave departments more discretion in interviewing and selection. The…

Presents six brief articles by six Arizona teachers offering their reflections about practices, strategies, and vision as they make changes toward a multicultural curriculum. (SR)

Seven high school students of English as a Second Language (ESL) underwent a short course of reading strategy training, including learner needs assessment, focus on why and when strategies are used, and carefully selected reading texts. Six of seven improved reading comprehension in at least one of two measures, supporting the notion that reading…

Examines the practical realities of upgrading Intel personal computers in libraries, considering budgets and technical personnel availability. Highlights include adding RAM; putting in faster processor chips, including clock multipliers; new hard disks; CD-ROM speed; motherboards and interface cards; cost limits and economic factors; and…

Faced with an applicant pool deficient in credentials and classroom skills, savvy administrators can spot applicants' potential, discerning those individuals likely to blossom into effective teachers. Important qualities include a strong work ethic, people and communication skills, and enthusiasm for teaching. Deciphering hidden meanings behind…

Summarizes findings of a two-year study of two locally managed Welsh secondary schools' need for support and resources. Discusses resource needs resulting from expansion and diversification of the sixth-form curriculum. Discusses implications of encouraging students to stay on in the sixth form and the factors influencing their decision making.…