The Tennessee Higher Education Commission's performance-funding policy rewards public institutions for undertaking comprehensive assessment programs. New policy guidelines that emphasize quantitative indicators such as test scores and alumni ratings are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Describes a three-week modular course on training methods that was prepared and run for technical instructors at a telecommunications training institute in Saudi Arabia. Course objectives are reviewed, a tool for identifying the training needs of trainers is discussed, and training development guidelines are described. (Author/LRW)

Provides generic guidelines covering the basic issues of database building within an organization. The areas discussed include assessing organizational needs, selecting and testing hardware and software, estimating costs, and creating and maintaining the database. A check list of important considerations and a list of additional readings are…

The computer, still a novel device in classrooms, may be incorporated as another learning tool. One method to accomplish this gave students the opportunity to build a clock using materials such as sand, water, or a computer. Additional projects are suggested. (JL)

A separate department of Fairfax County Schools, Virginia, administers a program for community use of educational facilities that involves 157 public school buildings on a year-round basis. Summarizes written policies and the accounting system and lists some of the program activities. (MLF)

Presents guidelines relative to audiovisual specifications for school classrooms, lecture halls, and auditoriums, to serve as a checklist for preliminary planning for facilities' construction or remodeling. Specifications are included for lights and lighting; electrical wiring; conduit; projection screens, booth, and stations; display boards; and…

Discusses goals of parent involvement and suggests effective strategies to involve parents and school officials in the education of Indian and Metis children. Covers current avenues for parent participation that schools provide as well as recent reform-oriented approaches that originate with native groups. (JHZ)

Provides practical information for librarians beginning to use online searching for reference services at the high school level. Selection of equipment, software, and database vendors are discussed, as well as financing, involvement of the school administration, and working with users to determine their information needs. (CDD)

Provides guidelines for international camping programs including specific information with regard to characteristics for participants, orientation, logistics, contacts, budget, and quality assurance, Topics include desirable attitudes and backgrounds from campers and staff, staff leadership and practical skills, cultural awareness training, legal…

This discussion of the explosion of knowledge focuses on how schools must organize their curriculum to be conducive to change. Ten guidelines are suggested for providing new learning methods and for successfully dealing with a changing society. (LRW)

Describes reading-textbook evaluation and selection processes and argues that improved basal readers are likely to be developed if textbook adoption procedures improve. States that basal reader evaluation criteria and procedures should be developed and applied by those professionals most directly responsible for the teaching of reading. (Author/NH)

Offers advice to school board members regarding the collective bargaining process. Suggests actions the board can take to develop bargaining guidelines and a labor relations program. Presents a sample conversation between a school board member and a union representative. (IW)

An overview of substance-abuse education in U.S. medical schools is presented, and three current programs are described. Goals for the future should include some attempt to modify medical schools and hospitals, where patterns leading to physician impairment may develop. (Author/MLW)

Discusses selection of appropriate instructional media and purchase of required equipment to be used in school library media centers. Writing specifications for desired equipment, bidding procedures, types of equipment (video, graphic production, microcomputers), guidelines to selection, and evaluation of choices are highlighted. A list of…

Discusses five areas of the school environment lending themselves to the possibility of teacher and student teacher liability: negligence, malpractice, rights to privacy, field trips, and search of students and school property. Suggests specific guidelines for decreasing the possibility of adverse legal action. (NEC)