Compares costs (for instruction, administration, transportation, and staff development) related to inclusive programs in four pilot elementary schools with costs for traditional special education services in nine other elementary schools in the Greater Clark (Indiana) School District. The fiscal analysis found both programs equally cost-effective.…

After a 20-year fight, advocates in New Jersey get a mandate for seat belts on school buses, and the controversial law could spark a new national trend. Half of the states have pending legislation on seat belts for school buses. Summarizes the arguments for and against seat belts. (MLF)

Hiring private contractors to manage school support services, such as food, maintenance, and busing, is a growing trend. Companies such as Marriott Corp., ServiceMaster, ARA Services, and Laidlaw Transit report that school business is steadily increasing. Unions staunchly oppose privatization. This article balances advantages and disadvantages,…

A comparison of two Tennessee school districts revealed that the district with in-house pupil transportation spent less than the district that contracted for the service. A sidebar discusses the characteristics of small vs. large contractors for school buses. (MLF)

Alternative fuels are becoming increasingly attractive from environmental, energy independence, and economic perspectives. Addresses the following topics: (1) federal and state legislation; (2) alternative fuels and their attributes; (3) practical experience with alternative-fuel vehicles in pupil transportation; and (4) options for school…

Komacek discusses the importance of teaching transportation/automotive technology. Anderson provides models, content, and teaching methods that will benefit students, schools, and industry. (JOW)

An Ohio school district is taking positive action to improve the public image of student transportation. The program attempts to fulfill parents' special needs. Presentations are made to a variety of community groups regarding the transportation operations, inhouse communications are encouraged, and feedback is welcomed. (MLF)

In "Kadrmas v. Dickinson," suit was brought challenging the constitutionality of a North Dakota statute allowing certain public school districts to charge user fees for transporting students. In 1988, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution does not require states to offer such services. The decision seriously erodes equal…

Cites the advantages and disadvantages for school districts of centralized food preparation and of the different food systems such as hot food systems, transporting cold or frozen food, and cook-chill systems. (MLF)

Describes efforts by the Redmond Library (Washington) to reach out to the senior citizen population by planning an all-day Senior Fair. Transportation, refreshments, an overview of library materials and services including Internet access, tours of the library, craft programs, participation by community groups, and funding are discussed. Sidebar…

Recently, the International Technology Education Association and its Technology for All Americans Project published "Standards for Technological Literacy," specifying what every K-12 student should know and be able to do. Two Virginia Tech researchers have illustrated how the standards might work in a laboratory classroom using a…

Discusses the pros and cons of privatization as a way of saving money while improving non-educational operations. Questions about why some services should be kept in-house are addressed, as well as what to look for when considering outsourcing. One school's experience with outsourcing health-care services is highlighted. (GR)

This article features NASA's FlyBy Math, a series of six standards-based distance-rate-time investigations in air traffic control. Sixth-grade students--acting as pilots, air traffic controllers, and NASA scientists--conduct an experiment and then use multiple mathematical representations to analyze and solve a problem involving two planes flying…

Maritime services form an integral part of what regulatory agencies requires for the safe navigation and operation of vessels. Therefore, the maritime industry's compliance with governmental regulations and international protocols has been essential for maritime safety management. As a basis to this aspect, the preparation of maritime students as…

The relative impact of a self-management for safety (SMS) process was evaluated at two short-haul trucking terminals. Participants in the Pre-Behavior group (n = 21) recorded their intentions to engage in specific safe versus at-risk driving behaviors before leaving the terminal (i.e., before making any of their deliveries for the day), whereas…