Discusses the outlier paradigm, then (1) reviews some major studies in reading program effectiveness at the elementary school level that have followed the paradigm (2) synthesizes findings from these studies into what they suggest are the key elements of effective reading programs (3) offers some critical commentary on the studies in question and…

lines insurance needs for adventure education programs. Gives results of a survey (65 percent response rate) of 68 adventure education programs and their insurance coverage or reasons why they had no insurance. Discusses risk management for adventure education programs. (MH)

Physical education can be an integral part of the basics of education when the curriculum teaches fundamental skills, focuses on these skills for life survival, broadens awareness of the world, and provides recreation. (DF)

Argues that one cannot be a successful educational administrator unless he or she studies and adopts good management procedures. Offers suggestions for developing such procedures. (FL)

Factors that have contributed to the sluggish evolution of an adequate planning methodology in environmental health programs at the local level are detailed. Areas of environmental health programs identified by the author as needing change include: management, the administrative model, program evaluation, and community participation. (BT)

This article explores the value of a group experience designed especially for black clients. An Afro-American group was formed to discuss such subjects as Afro-American history and culture, black experience and self-image. Membership in this group was found to foster greater program involvement by black clients. (SJL)

This report of the Detroit Public Schools compiles data analysis of prekindergarten children's entry level skills, a 1-month follow-up assessment, and an end-of-the-year skills evaluation. The report contains information on the growth and development of 3- and 4-year-old prekindergarten students in the Michigan School Readiness Program and Head…

In 1998, California voters approved Proposition 10, the Children and Families First Act, which placed an additional tax on cigarette sales; monies generated will be used to improve early childhood development for birth to five. In terms of early childhood development, the starting point is not birth but long before; care of women of reproductive…

As part of a series of reports designed to support the implementation of Proposition 10: The California Children and Families Act and to provide comprehensive and authoritative information on critical issues concerning young children and families in California, this report provides county-level commissioners and their staff with information about…

This issue of "Special Edition" contains the following articles: (1) Message from the Assistant Commissioner (Joseph Fisher); (2) Inclusion: Success in the Classroom (Benton McDonough); (3) Mid-Tennessee (Allison Davey); (4) West Tennessee (Larry Greer); (5) East Tennessee (Robert Winstead); (6) Excellence in Teaching (Paul Ayers and…

The views of rehabilitation consumers have not played a central role in shaping training programs for rehabilitation counselors. Likewise, partnerships between state vocational rehabilitation agencies and institutions of higher education have not been developed to their full potential. A planned collaboration between Montana Vocational…

In March 1996, the New York State Comptroller's Office completed a review of the financial management practices of the State University of New York College at Old Westbury between April 1993 and February 1995. The Office's final report included 17 recommendations for improving the internal control structure over cash receipts and disbursements,…

Intended for use by childcare center directors, this guide presents the Quick Quality Check, a practical method for measuring and improving the quality of care in infant/toddler classrooms. The four chapters of the guide discuss the specifics of the Quick Quality Check method for both infants and toddlers, including the instrument development, as…

This bulletin is part of the best practice series on programs that provide assistance in building or expanding juvenile correction and detention facilities and in training correctional staff. These bulletins are designed to present up-to-date knowledge to juvenile justice policymakers, researchers, and practitioners about programs and approaches…

Recruiting and retaining good teachers ranks as one of the most significant roadblocks to solving the preschool quality crises facing the country. Evidence points to the low wages and benefits offered to preschool teachers as the single most important factor in hiring and keeping good teachers. This policy brief examines what is known about the…