Mathematics competitions are a popular extracurricular activity for students at all grade levels. This booklet outlines some of the logistical and structural issues that competition organizers, administrators, coaches, and question writers face when they incorporate calculators into their competitions. Main topics included are: (1) "Decisions…

Ideas for fine tuning the awareness and responsive interactions of teachers of infants and toddlers are offered. The ideas, which are supported by theory, research, and clinical experience, focus on the importance of: (1) tender, careful holding of babies; (2) prompt and accurate interpretation of the signals of distress; (3) development of keen…

Some relevant issues concerning the mentoring of women and minorities in the realm of higher education are addressed, primarily focusing on the differences and problems that exist in assisting these two groups of professionals in achieving their career goals. The importance of mentoring and methods that can be used by a mentor in assisting the…

In general, the preparation and professional development of the early childhood work force is affected by three conditions: demand for quality, the operative fiscal and regulatory environment, and compensation. If all the conditions were right, the system would work. In reality, these conditions, and therefore the preparation and professional…

This report documents the internal investigative process that was used at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to develop a model of child care and services for MIT parents which might be relevant to other institutions. Topics discussed include: (1) the history of MIT's involvement in child care; (2) the origin and charge of MIT's…

This document examines some of the questions concerning copyright law and the educational use of equipment that can easily duplicate, store, and transmit instructional materials. It is argued that a delicate balance must be achieved between protection for copyright holders and access for educational purposes to audiovisual works, music, computer…

This report offers a series of recommendations for the creation of a successful computer learning center in the Head Start classroom. Based on a 6-month study involving 44 classrooms in 11 programs in 7 states, recommendations focus more on children, teachers, and classroom activities than on computers and software. The report recommends many…

Several strategies for improving communication between parents and teachers are explored in this handbook. Section I provides background information on parent-teacher communication. Recommendations to teachers for enhancing parent involvement in education are provided. Section II describes communication strategies for use in parent-teacher…

This report pinpoints the need to upgrade workers' skills and the means for accomplishing this goal through the development of workplace learning programs (WPLPs). Labor supply and demographic trends that affect the nation's workplace are explored. An examination of training programs follows. General guidelines for establishing WPLPs, derived from…

This report synthesizes information from many sources about state and local Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) evaluation activities and issues. The report's five sections are interrelated, but each can stand alone as a discussion piece on JTPA evaluation. The first section, on the role of evaluation in JTPA, outlines the rationale for doing…

This guide for employed parents describes types of programs available to school-age children, criteria parents can use in selecting a program that meets their child's needs, and ways to find or develop neighborhood child care programs. Options for young children include day care centers, day care in schools, family day care, and care at home.…

This document is intended to provide Maryland's public schools with the information needed to initiate and pursue Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) certification of their prekindergarten programs. After a brief introduction in section I, section II addresses the certification process in terms of definition, overview, and steps in…

This publication offers 10 major policy recommendations for improving the evaluation of secondary vocational education programs for special populations and ultimately the programs themselves. In the 10 sections following an introduction, each of the policy areas is introduced by a brief overview. A policy recommendation is then made along with a…

To remedy the problem of an ineffective homework policy, a Follow Through kindergarten teacher at the George Howland elementary school in Chicago, Illinois, implemented a practicum designed to increase parent involvement with the school. The program designed for the practicum included: (1) regular homework assignments, (2) grading of homework by…

Ways in which schools, law enforcement agencies and communities can work together to develop strategies to effectively reduce truancy are provided in this handbook. Areas covered include: (1) a definition of truancy; (2) a truant profile; (3) strategies for dealing with a truant; (4) suggestions for components of truancy reduction programs; and…