Examines the changes and challenges accompanying increased attention to early childhood education during the past several years. Interest has been piqued by the first national educational goal (readiness), big business concerns, and professionals' reexamination of the field. The authors in this special "Kappan" section examine issues…

Analysis of transcripts of focus group interviews with 32 educators (general, special, administrators, related services, and instructional assistants) in 5 elementary schools identified 8 component areas of expressed training needs concerned with inclusion of students with disabilities. A training framework incorporating these areas was then…

Examines college substance abuse prevention and intervention programs in the framework of the elaboration likelihood model. Discusses the role of persuasion and recommends careful analysis of the relevance, construction, and delivery of messages about substance use and subsequent program evaluation. Recommendations for increasing program…

Discussion of changing demographics and implications for academic libraries focuses on the expected increases in the numbers of Blacks and international students. Educational trends are discussed; and program ideas for academic libraries preparing for a multicultural environment are suggested, including sensitivity training for staff, minority…

Presents a list of techniques and principles for encouraging respect for individual differences in the nursery school. Guidelines for both speech and action are provided. (BB)

The results of a survey conducted on the background, education, attitudes, and practices of North Carolina's elementary teachers to develop a statewide inservice program are presented. Elementary teachers' perceptions of teaching language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science; use of instructional materials; and experiences and needs for…

Faculty in 40 research university departments of physics, sociology, electrical engineering, and education were surveyed about their attitudes toward universities' competitive strategies (clever adaptation, sudden changes, elimination of less attractive units, entrepreneurial ventures). More productive, satisfied, and committed faculty were found…

Reviews the work of the Geography Standards Project, a national effort to develop standards for geography education in grades K-12. Describes committee structures, definitions of "world class" student performance and "standards," and the nature of the standards developed, indicating that they focus on outcomes, performance, and…

Summarizes a midwestern study of single-parent seventh and eighth graders' special school needs and the effectiveness of school policies, programs, and practices in meeting those needs. The principals surveyed felt schools were more effective than parents in meeting certain student needs. Although principals felt specific approaches were…

Northwestern State University (Louisiana) prepared a grant proposal for a comprehensive development plan to strengthen academic support services, including automated credit articulation, desktop registration, and a telephone registration and voice response information system. Funded by Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, the project has…

Although different in nature from academic activities, college fund raising also requires planning and management. To develop more responsive executive information systems, development officers must take the lead, ask the right questions, and work closely with campus institutional researchers, registrars, enrollment managers, and computer…

An employee wellness program involving physical fitness activities and health education was implemented at the University of Texas (Arlington). Results of participant (N=50) and control group (N=152) pre- and posttest surveys, physiological tests, program evaluations, and analysis of personnel records demonstrated the program's value. (Author/MLW)

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of organizational changes in the general medicine clinic on residents' and patients' satisfaction, including their perceptions of the quality of care. Questionnaires to assess satisfaction were administered to the residents (N=80) and patients (N=577) using a pre- and posttesting design. (MLW)

The role of an "Educational Consultant" at the Cochlear Implant Center of the Manhattan (New York) Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital involves assisting in implant candidate selection; acting as a liaison to local education agencies; interviewing parents; visiting the child's school; demonstrating classroom listening activities; and monitoring the child's…

Evolution of the intensive summer oral language proficiency institutes held at the University of Texas at El Paso, beginning in 1984, is discussed. Benefits for participants, including knowledge gained about language testing and improved personal language skills, are noted, and areas for further consideration or improvement in the program are…