Presents a methodology for the development of educational software for use in secondary education based on the characteristics of the students and the curricular objectives. Topics discussed include desirable features of educational software and the engineering of educational software, including its interdisciplinary nature. (Contains 10…

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in employment, public accommodations, transportation, state and local government services, and telecommunications. Explains Titles I, II, and III of ADA regulations. (13…

A screening and ranking procedure for selecting school sites in California is based on the criteria of safety, environment, size and shape, location, soils, topography, accessibility, utilities, political implications, public services, cost, and availability. An explanation of these criteria is included along with a list of secondary criteria.…

Presents background material leading to the development of guidelines for computer science education teacher preparation programs. An overview of the two basic programs is presented, implications for professional education units and the education community are explored, and future directions are identified. (GLR)

Examines the issue of using dissection as a class activity in the science curriculum. Discusses the pros and cons, including the legal aspects of the issue. Suggest guidelines for educators regarding this issue. (HB)

Offers suggestions to school facilities departments on how to ensure student safety without impeding educational goals. Discusses popular misconceptions of violence in schools, the lack of quick fixes for school security, the implementation of security measures, how to form partnerships in crime prevention, and how to address safety concerns in…

Offers 10 guidelines for librarians responsible for making decisions on whether to upgrade application software. Examines the Internet, client/server LAN (local area network) architecture, developments in contemporary stand-alone systems, and graphic user interfaces to determine their impact on the upgrading process. (AEF)

Offers tips for choosing an automated library system. Topics include dealing with vendors; talking to other librarians; visiting a similar library with the same system; print sources for system information; demonstration disks; salespeople; costs; and learning about automation company competitors. (LRW)

Examines what should be featured in an athletic facility, how to plan for the many different sports and activities that will be housed, and how to get the community involved. Areas addressed include planning for locker rooms and storage, flooring and lighting, building code adherence, spectator seating, building security, and outdoor recreation…

Discusses the trend toward smaller college residence halls and their amenities as a means of attracting students to live on campus. Provides data from the 9th Annual Residence Hall Construction Report that assessed average college and university residence hall construction costs and types of amenities offered, and presents examples of new…

Proposes guidelines for principals attempting to evaluate teachers' grading policies. Principals should understand teachers' perspectives, ask for copies of their grading policies, be wary of traits (like "effort") not measuring achievement, consider grading information quality, think about homework's role, expect teachers to use numbers and…

Outlines seven common mistakes in student-produced videos; suggests ways to avoid them. Mistakes include too much open screen space; unnatural, abrupt transitions between camera shots; odd juxtapositions of performers with background objects; endless talk without shot changes; no space between the subject's head and top of the video screen;…

Discusses liability issues for Web managers. Highlights include: state and federal involvement; trademark infringements in domain names; intellectual property and copyrights; personal "terms and conditions" protection; linking and blocking links; and foreign lawsuits. Sidebars include resources for Webmasters, guidelines and information…

Describes the four-step process of designing a library systems office at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC): (1) Collect Data: Why Create a Systems Office; (2) Organize and Present Preliminary Data: Educate and Involve Stakeholders; (3) Identify Actions: Write a Plan; and (4) Implement. Addresses the major problems encountered,…

Discusses the areas to consider when renovating a school to enhance student learning and achievement. The following areas are covered: structural condition, environmental quality, size and capacity, safety and security, site location, and symbolic value and aesthetics. (GR)