A diverse community, combined with a school division lacking independent taxing authority, led Fairfax County (Maryland) Public Schools to public participation in the budget process. Steps involved developing an objective, identifying the audience, establishing formats (surveys, focus groups, and voice polls), developing a timeline, and reporting…

Investigates whether religion may actually contribute to intolerance, discrimination, suffering, and bloodshed in the world. The author offers study findings that suggest relationships among religious fundamentalism, quest, right-wing authorization, and prejudice. It is suggested that it is how people hold their religious beliefs, rather than the…

Questions whether the Toronto Board of Education's Triangle Program, intended to support lesbian and gay students at risk of dropping out, can help youth of color without addressing the interaction of racial and sexual identity. Suggests that the program further marginalizes these students, without addressing institutional racism and homophobia.…

Internally-developed identity and behavior patterns were related to plans, actions, rationales, and life outcomes over 14 years in a sample of 118 women. Self-defining women showed more autonomy in personal relationship and took more initiatives than socially-defined women, who reported more career indecision and more role conflict. (JPS)

A survey on beliefs about the changeability of conditions was completed by 102 undergraduates, who then participated in an experiment in which they responded to a hypothetical letter from a potential employer. Differences were found between those who had a performance-judgment (belief in fixed traits) and a learning orientation (belief in…

Abolition of the probationary year for British teachers in 1991 was short-lived, with new requirements for setting induction standards, monitoring performance, administering assessment, and deregistering new teachers introduced in the 1998 Teaching and Higher Education Act. A more imaginative and reality-based alternative is needed. (Contains 94…

Describes a one-day workshop developed at the University of Sydney (Australia) to facilitate social and study-related peer networks. Qualitative and quantitative analyses found that the workshops enhanced study, self-motivation, and general enjoyment of university life and were helpful in easing the transition of undergraduate students.…

Extensive on-site interviews in six Iowa school districts revealed that understandings and beliefs in three high-achieving school districts differed markedly from those in three low-achieving districts. The high-achieving districts had an "elevating" view of students, a focus on school renewal, and action-oriented goals. (MLH)

First-year engineering students at Robert Gordon University (Scotland) were presented with a task-oriented induction program. Students were divided into groups and assigned a facilitator, later personal tutor, to whom they could refer. Student reaction to the experience was very favorable. Effect on progression rates is yet to be determined. (AEF)

This article expresses a concern about whether student affairs professionals examine the language they use, as well as ponders how they learned what they know about marginalization of populations on campuses. Briefly explores eight areas within student affairs, specifically for sexual orientation and gender identity content. (Contains 12…

Reviews provisions of a British Teacher Training Agency Headteacher Leadership and Training Programme (HEADLAMP) from principals' perspective, based on a cohort study investigating attitudes toward issues such as program management, needs assessment, local education authorities' role, and funding and quality. Responses were positive, but questions…

Feedback about their learning experiences was obtained from part-time students at Hong Kong Polytechnic through videotaped focus groups. Video clips were used to develop an orientation program for new adult students and for staff development seminars on working with adult students. (SK)

Traces 30 years of academic library instruction innovation, including the creation of the first conference on Library Orientation at Eastern Michigan University in 1971 and the LOEX (Library Orientation Exchange) Clearinghouse. Particular attention is paid to information literacy project activities in the national and international environments.…

A 6-week bridge course designed to ease the transition of registered nurses into baccalaureate degree programs focused on critical thinking, learning styles, professional roles, values clarification, time management, and career planning. It also oriented students to Web Course Tools, used for distance learning. Outcomes included role and campus…

Describes the struggle that gays and lesbians face as they incorporate their sexual orientation and identity within the context of an existing religious or spiritual identity. Narrative directions are suggested for marriage and family therapists and their work with gays and lesbians who are confronted with these issues. (BF)