Viewpoints of five camp professionals from a discussion on "Sexual Orientation in Camps: What Is the American Camping Association's Role?" at the 1996 American Camping Association (ACA) national conference. Discusses whether counselors' sexual orientation should be a factor in hiring, and whether the ACA should take a position on the…

Summarizes a study examining the entry-year problems of new principals in developing countries, based on a survey of 250 beginning and 250 veteran principals of black schools in South Africa's Northwest Province. New principals were faced with systemic problems, including inadequate physical facilities and teaching grants, an ever-increasing…

Studied the perceptions of first and second year college students about their preparedness and technical competence at college entry to use the computer and software applications. Survey responses from 338 students suggest that entering students felt better prepared than second year thought they had been, and that all students make gains over time…

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg (North Carolina) Public Schools have replaced checklists with a result-based, profit-sharing administrator evaluation system that rewards educational excellence and provides principals with needed assistance or support. Effective principals enjoy substantial autonomy; marginal principals receive massive central-office…

Describes a program developed to meet the needs of individuals, and their families, new to the experience of vision loss. Program components address education services and resources, issues concerning the emotional response to vision loss and adjustment, tips and ideas for daily functioning, and ways to enhance families' awareness. (RJM)

Thirty adults ages 53-85 and 28 adults ages 19-38 were randomly assigned to three groups to read six passages. One group received advance organizers prior to reading, the second got orienting instructions plus advance organizers, and the controls received neither . Orienting instructions significantly helped both age groups and greatly reduced…

A study examining the long-term influences of a university wilderness orientation program interviewed 16 participants 17 years later. Three consistent themes emerged: assumptions of themselves and others were challenged; peer friendships developed had strong, positive, and lasting effects; and the orientation program positively affected their…

The present study examined the degree of association of three specific self-variables (self-efficacy, goal orientation, and fear of failure) with school engagement for high school students. The results and implications for intervention and future research are addressed. (Contains 30 references and 3 tables.) (GCP)

Study examines the relationship between sexual orientation and youth suicide risk. The suicide risk demonstrated by sexual minorities in this study was no greater than that of their heterosexual peers. Youth who reported more external support demonstrated lower overall suicide risk and, specifically, lower levels of hostility, hopelessness, and…

Examines the influence of instructor sexual orientation on perceptions of teacher credibility. Aims to determine if college students perceive gay teachers as less credible than straight teachers. Finds that students of a gay teacher perceive that they learn considerably less than students of a straight teacher. Includes an in-depth qualitative…

Explores the ethical and practical considerations of conversion therapy when counseling families and individuals within families with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual concerns. Emphasis is placed on the need for counselors to assess personal biases in the area of working with sexual minorities. Presents a reflective exercise and case study…

The nation needs a diverse group of well-educated superintendents who strive to balance legitimate special interests with the common good. The single-savior, miracle-worker image must be abandoned because it misconstrues the nature of leadership, stifles action, and breeds dependency among ordinary people whose efforts are essential for improving…

Describes the condition of the adult returning student. Lists the factors that make for good positive socialization for these students. Describes the University of Rhode Island's College of Continuing Education's entry course for new adult students, which facilitates their successful socialization into the educational community. (JS)

Briefly describes the methods used to provide library orientation (an introduction to the physical plant, policies, procedures and resources of the library) and library instruction (bibliographic and research skills) in Nigerian medical libraries. (five references) (CLB)

An NASSP survey of experienced and beginning principals examined differences in the two groups' responses to questions about time allocation, leadership roles, authority, parent and community involvement, influence groups, administrative "roadblocks," educational issues, and job satisfaction. Recommendations for orienting new principals are given.…