Teacher evaluation is problematic because it combines two conflicting tasks: improving instruction and judging performance. A Boston elementary principal gradually devised an informal supervision/evaluation system involving brief, random, and frequent classroom visits followed by praise, affirmation, suggestions, and constructive criticism. Even…

Suggestions are offered to special educators for improving communication at parent-teacher conferences, including relationship skills such as demonstrating genuine caring, building rapport, listening, showing empathy, reflecting affect, and using clarifying statements. A checklist for self-monitoring in these areas is included. (DB)

Provides guidance for turning the library media center into a place where students can use multimedia tools for research, authoring, and publishing. Sidebars include: a multimedia club sample student contract, a component list for a multimedia workstation starter kit, a checklist for planning and assembling mini-centers, and a sample multimedia…

This article describes the development and validation of the Developmental Behavior Checklist for children with emotional and behavior problems along with mental retardation. The article discusses generating and refining the checklist items, results of a principal components analysis, establishing reliability and construct and criterion validity,…

A consortia of Rhode Island academic libraries used several research methods--checklists, vendor matrix, vendor demonstrations, dial-up access, on-site visits, and telephone conversations with representatives--to evaluate integrated library systems for purchase. With the help of private funding, INNOPAC was purchased and implemented. (EA)

Four articles address issues concerned with collective bargaining and negotiating in the public sector. Highlights include differences between public and private sector collective bargaining; the cost of health care and collective bargaining in public libraries; an agreement between Harvard University and their clerical workers' union; and…

Describes a teaching technique that uses word processing software to automate the process of providing feedback about psychology assignments in a microcomputer-based laboratory course. Automation of the feedback process is explained, benefits to students and instructors are discussed, and student reactions are reported. (six references) (LRW)

A checklist helps teachers measure where they stand in the effort to get students ready for an increasingly multicultural society. The checklist focuses on classroom setup, lessons, and class activities. Most of the ideas are helpful in teaching students to respect and value the world's rich and varied cultures. (SM)

Schools should study the scope and pervasiveness of the diversity in their community and look for collaborative possibilities with other public agencies and organizations. Suggests ideas to help students reach out to cultures, religions, races, and generations other than their own. (MLF)

A checklist is presented to help structure systematic observation and diagnosis of students' handwriting. A breakdown of handwriting skills is accompanied by possible problem behaviors and related factors (such as grasp of writing instrument and motor skills) to consider in error analysis. The most common elements diminishing legibility are…

Parents of 20 children with autism and 14 children with mental retardation, with comparable cognitive developmental levels, completed the Preschool Social Behavior Checklist. Results revealed that autistic children exhibited deficits in imaginative play, peer play, and imitation skills compared to the other group, and that parents are capable of…

Colleges using the Seven Principles for Good Practice in Undergraduate Education were surveyed concerning the usefulness of the principles and the faculty and institutional inventories designed for measuring their application. Respondents indicated a need for clearer information about potential and actual uses. (Author/MSE)

A study solicited preservice teacher interns' personally expressed concerns and Teacher Concerns Checklist ratings to determine whether both sets of concerns followed a pattern consistent with Fuller and Brown's (1975) developmental stages theory. Results indicated the patterns of change in concerns reported from both measures varied from the…

Examines the rationale for implementing a "responsible inclusion" model for students with emotional/behavioral disorders, and discusses critical components for such a program's development. A checklist of supports is presented, along with a process chart for depicting levels of commitment toward responsible inclusion. (CR)

Presents strategies for building resilience in students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Suggestions are provided for promoting social competence, problem-solving skills, autonomy, and sense of purpose. A checklist for resilience is included, along with two stories of children with disabilities who gained resilience. (CR)