Modern playgrounds provide a system of linked play modules used with creative accessories to yield a series of interaction options for children. These designs offer opportunities for physical development, mental enhancement and imaginative play, and they are easy to maintain. (JD)

Followed 153 smokers who attempted to quit smoking without treatment. Nineteen percent were abstinent at two-year follow-up. Use of multiple strategies was associated with two-year abstinence. Variables associated with short-term cessation were generally unrelated to long-term outcome, although strong motivation to quit was important for both…

Traces the development of Native American literatures as following a pattern of cultural revitalization. Examines how these literatures are being incorporated into the national literary canon and subjected to institutionalized domination at the same time that they are serving as a vehicle for indigenous political resistance and revitalization. (SV)

Ethnographic data on the development of British culture and identity among 128 children ages 8-11 showed an incipient awareness of the new racism among the older children. Findings suggest that antiracist education and multicultural education should be taught in primary schools. (JOW)

A Louisiana school district has cut equipment repair costs by 50 percent and reduced the repair time for most damaged equipment by offering part-time supplemental employment to school staff. (MLF)

To reduce the chance of buying computer lemons, school system purchasing offices should devise and issue their own specifications for prospective vendors. Specs should include both general and specific requirements for microcomputers, drives, and monitors; maintenance and repair services; and delivery and performance testing. A sidebar outlines…

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, playgrounds and their equipment are linked to more than 100,000 injuries requiring emergency care each year. National Safety Council guidelines are provided concerning playground surfaces, equipment, and design. Suggestions are also given for maintaining playgrounds and making them safer.…

Provides examples on ways to make locker room maintenance easier and their use more student-friendly. Improvements include use of indoor-outdoor carpeting with numerous floor drains to cut mildew buildup, adequate ventilation to reduce musty smells, better hot water management, ceramic tiles to reduce water-damage repair and painting needs, and…

Presents background information on the 1998 recipient of the third annual National School Plant Manager of the Year award and those receiving honorable mentions. The recipients are described as exemplifying the evolving role of the school facilities manager. (GR)

Discusses ways to make carpet maintenance in schools easier and effective for keeping carpeted areas in schools attractive and long lasting. Covers cleaning tips for basic spills, ideas for staying on top of stains, and suggestions for eliminating odors. (GR)

Discusses the history of the relatively new field of language policy and planning. Focuses on language ecology and illustrates schematically the various forces at work in a linguistic ecology from a language-planning-activity perspective. (Author/VWL)

Discusses how some college maintenance managers are getting the most out of their tight maintenance budgets. Examples of cost-cutting measures are provided, including comparative shopping for cleaning chemicals, eliminating duplicate maintenance services for auxilliary units, motivating maintenance staff and employing students, and saving money…

Assesses the current state of educational-technology integration across the country and examines whether the technology, networks, electronic resources, and support exist to meet the education system's learning goals. While schools are viewed as doing well in attempting to integrate technology, maintenance and operational support are problems…

Interview with Michael F. Hoyt, a noted figure in the worlds of brief therapy and managed care. He discusses issues regarding brief therapy, some of the promises and problems of managed care, and several likely future trends and their implications for marital and family therapists. (MKA)

Explains why schools should evaluate whether their older steam-heating systems are still cost-effective, or need to be repaired or replaced. The symptoms of deterioration are listed along with discussions on repair or replacement decision making on three areas of steam heating systems: boilers; distribution system; and terminal equipment. (GR)