An effective orientation program helps new board members understand that there is already a functioning board, no member knows everything, open discussion of interpersonal issues is essential, board members must focus on agendas, and the superintendent is the sole administrative contact and conduit to other administrative staff. (MLH)

Believes that it is important to teach about controversial issues in social studies but contends that not all controversial issues are suitable for the classroom. Suggests three categories of selection criteria (curricular, student, and community considerations) in order to decide on what types of issues are appropriate for the classroom. (CMK)

Discusses the Essentials Project that began in 1994 involving 20 teachers in creating standards for history and social science in secondary education in Ontario (Canada). Provides the standards, learning outcomes, and performance tasks focusing on why the particular learning outcomes were chosen and issues for social studies teachers. (CMK)

Presents tips for building a secure library system to guard against threats like hackers, viruses, and theft. Topics include: determining what is at risk; recovering from disasters; developing security policies; developing front-end security; securing menu systems; accessing control programs; protecting against damage from viruses; developing…

Developing an Internet acceptable use policy is the first step in bringing technological change to the classroom. This article defines educator's proactive responsibilities and provides a policy shell (privilege, "netiquette," security, vandalism, legal issues, warranties, and user agreements) to formulate individual school policies.…

Presents lessons learned in four years of renovating school libraries in Cleveland, Ohio: build a team, fund raising, design tips (layout, furniture, color, windows, floors, theme), bargain hunting, staff recruiting, and timelines. With a small amount of money, volunteers, imagination, and hard work any library media center can be transformed into…

Though full of memories, landmark schools are often deemed inadequate for today's educational needs. The community and school officials should ask: What factors should we consider when evaluating older schools for extensive remodeling versus building new schools? Lists steps for conducting a technical feasibility study. (MLF)

Provides guidelines for choral directors who are choosing and adapting music for middle school singers (grades 4 through 9). Discusses three types of ensembles (treble, mixed, and tenor/bass choirs) in which the voicing is appropriate to the adolescent voice. Includes a selected repertoire for middle school choral groups. (CMK)

Discusses the librarian's role as copyright adviser and offers five guidelines that are applicable to school or public librarians, including ensuring access to information; digital technology, the need for copyright exceptions, and the importance of staying informed; user rights; promoting fair use; and considering the source of copyright…

Describes steps in the timeline for the Winona Area (Minnesota) Public School District's annual summer technology academy, with tips for success. The steps are presented according to how far in advance they should occur, from pre-planning six to eight months in advance to the first day of class. (AEF)

This article presents an agenda for educational change that identifies core issues in early childhood inclusion as well as the mechanisms and strategies to address those issues at the systems, program development, and research levels. Recommendations include development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines.…

This article provides the following guidelines for creating culturally responsive, inclusive classrooms: use a range of culturally sensitive methods and materials, create a classroom atmosphere that respects individuals and their cultures, foster an interactive classroom learning environment, employ ongoing and culturally aware assessments, and…

Once the prevailing technology standards are established and understood, principals need to observe and evaluate how teachers translate standards into instructional practice. The Engaged Learning Profile Tool helps teachers assess their created learning environment and provides a starting point for technology discussions. Guidelines and indicators…

Uses a content analysis of the available treatment literature to generate guidelines for use in training and evaluating culturally competent therapists. Guidelines include: use family therapy; act as advocate for the family; assess immigration experience; assess acculturation; respect father; interview family subsystems separately; do not force…

Discusses results of a citation analysis of undergraduate term papers that showed a decrease in the frequency of scholarly resources cited and an increase in often incorrect Web citations. Recommends stricter guidelines for acceptable citations, creating and maintaining scholarly portals for authoritative Web sites, and instructing students how to…