The adoption and systematic use of planning guidelines and the pursuit of a disciplined strategy for implementation have provided the University of Miami with a powerful process for shaping its future. Decentralized and responsive centralized planning, defining the planning process, and guidelines used by the University of Miami are presented.…

Provides guidelines for designing an "authentic project," which is the result of an information search based on a problem-driven task; it is a library research project in which authentic content is integrated with transferable skills in a real-life context. Presents three questions for assessing student performance and learning objectives.…

This article examines the implications of the British Code of Practice (which provides guidelines for the identification, assessment, and service provision of children with special educational needs) for children with speech and language difficulties. The confusion engendered by the code's guidance regarding provision of speech therapy as either…

This article considers issues raised by the British Code of Practice, which provides guidelines for the identification, assessment and service of children with special educational needs. The article discusses reactions to the code by the Independent Panel for Special Education Advice and local education agencies, implications for schools, and…

Notes the importance of listening in the learning process. Describes cause for concern for deteriorating listening skills among students and teachers, and the need for promoting active listening skills in the classroom and eventually integrating listening across the curriculum. Gives basic classroom principles, suggestions for successful…

Presents a step-by-step guide to creating a student-run puppet program in public libraries. Topics discussed include buying a stage; collecting puppets; recruiting and screening volunteers; selecting and adapting stories, including length, characters, and dialogue; the rehearsal process; and performance suggestions. (LRW)

The Office for Standards in Education in Great Britain conducts inspections of provisions for students with special educational needs in primary and secondary regular and special schools. Implementation of these inspections requires development of well-trained inspectors with special education expertise and recognition of local education authority…

College and university fund-raisers offer suggestions for successful direct-mail campaigns, telephone campaigns, and fund-raising auctions. Ideas include specific persuasive techniques for different types of donors, motivational and support mechanisms for volunteers, and appealing activities and rewards for campaign participation. (MSE)

Reflects on the process of developing national curriculum guidelines for early childhood based on New Zealand's experience. Discusses how development involved complex interactions between the nature of early childhood in New Zealand and its history (setting), the opinions, ideas, and practice of current practitioners (consultation), and decisions…

This article reviews and comments on various issues addressed by the 1994 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit guidelines for nonprofit organizations. It focuses on topics especially relevant to colleges and universities, such as unrelated business income, employment taxes, fringe benefits, fund raising, research and contracts, scholarships and…

Dozens of Australian "laptop" schools are following the lead of Methodist Ladies' College (an independent pre-K-12 school) in personal computing and are using some of their pioneering professional development models, including in-classroom collaboration, "slumber parties," and build-a-book workshops. Guidelines for implementing…

This response to an article comparing guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice from the fields of early childhood education and early intervention/special education stresses the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of both disciplines and of getting recommended practices into actual practice. (DB)

Defines cultural sensitivity and discusses the need for librarians to be culturally sensitive to ensure that libraries are instrumental in staff and patron success. Highlights include a presentation of culturally sensitive learning programs and guidelines; an examination of related issues and trends occurring at the University of Arizona Library.…

Presents an overview of case-based instruction and a description of how this method might apply to teaching instructional design. Benefits of case studies are reviewed, including promoting professional and personal growth; challenges for instructors and participants are considered; and guidelines for the development and use of case studies are…

Strategies to help principals maintain the momentum of school improvement planning include: reexamining the teacher selection/induction process, ensuring constant faculty improvement, encouraging risk taking and celebrating successes, renewing the commitment to the consensus process, determining problems inhibiting achievement of goals,…