In any consideration of the ways in which intergenerational child care meets the needs of parents and children, attention should be given to the needs of the older persons who are involved in significant numbers in the child care work force. Individuals over the age of 65 account for 25 percent of U.S. family day care providers, 13 percent of…

This monograph provides an inservice workshop approach that school systems can use to address the needs of students who experience divorce. Questions addressed include: (1) What can school systems do to help students cope with their parents' divorce? (2) What can educators do to create a learning environment that is congenial for children who live…

These guidelines were developed to provide an overview of faculty development issues and concerns. The first section reviews the principles of faculty development, citing the California Postsecondary Education Commission's (CPEC) classification of faculty development activities into the categories of professional, instructional, curriculum, and…

This paper provides an overview of standardized tests and a summary of important psychometric and test construction properties that educators must consider when they make critical evaluations of standardized tests. Sections of the paper concern: (1) basic characteristics of standardized tests; (2) differences between norm-referenced and…

This legislators' guide outlines state maternal health programs and strategies and offers states options for improving their maternal and child health services. The introductory chapter 1 is followed by an overview of maternal and child health status in the United States in chapter 2. Costs associated with the failure to provide adequate prenatal…

Mathematics competitions are a popular extracurricular activity for students at all grade levels. This booklet outlines some of the logistical and structural issues that competition organizers, administrators, coaches, and question writers face when they incorporate calculators into their competitions. Main topics included are: (1) "Decisions…

Ideas for fine tuning the awareness and responsive interactions of teachers of infants and toddlers are offered. The ideas, which are supported by theory, research, and clinical experience, focus on the importance of: (1) tender, careful holding of babies; (2) prompt and accurate interpretation of the signals of distress; (3) development of keen…

Some relevant issues concerning the mentoring of women and minorities in the realm of higher education are addressed, primarily focusing on the differences and problems that exist in assisting these two groups of professionals in achieving their career goals. The importance of mentoring and methods that can be used by a mentor in assisting the…

In general, the preparation and professional development of the early childhood work force is affected by three conditions: demand for quality, the operative fiscal and regulatory environment, and compensation. If all the conditions were right, the system would work. In reality, these conditions, and therefore the preparation and professional…

This report documents the internal investigative process that was used at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop a model of child care and services for MIT parents which might be relevant to other institutions. Topics discussed include: (1) the history of MIT's involvement in child care; (2) the origin and charge of MIT's…

This document examines some of the questions concerning copyright law and the educational use of equipment that can easily duplicate, store, and transmit instructional materials. It is argued that a delicate balance must be achieved between protection for copyright holders and access for educational purposes to audiovisual works, music, computer…

This report offers a series of recommendations for the creation of a successful computer learning center in the Head Start classroom. Based on a 6-month study involving 44 classrooms in 11 programs in 7 states, recommendations focus more on children, teachers, and classroom activities than on computers and software. The report recommends many…

Several strategies for improving communication between parents and teachers are explored in this handbook. Section I provides background information on parent-teacher communication. Recommendations to teachers for enhancing parent involvement in education are provided. Section II describes communication strategies for use in parent-teacher…

This report pinpoints the need to upgrade workers' skills and the means for accomplishing this goal through the development of workplace learning programs (WPLPs). Labor supply and demographic trends that affect the nation's workplace are explored. An examination of training programs follows. General guidelines for establishing WPLPs, derived from…

This report synthesizes information from many sources about state and local Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) evaluation activities and issues. The report's five sections are interrelated, but each can stand alone as a discussion piece on JTPA evaluation. The first section, on the role of evaluation in JTPA, outlines the rationale for doing…