The values and successes of college sports to higher education are threatened by patterns of abuse, particularly in larger programs. The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics' report and recommendations for reform are designed to stem abuses and help athletics find its proper and legitimate role. (MSE)

Describes a survey of secondary school teachers that was conducted to determine their perceptions of their own computer needs and those of their students. The questionnaire, which was completed by 92 teachers, focused on their computer attitudes, needs, and experience. Responses showed that teachers viewed word processing as a high priority for…

The extent to which evaluation results answer different stakeholders' needs was explored in the evaluation of a business English course at Van Leer Institute for the Development of Executive Assistants in Tel-Aviv (Israel), using diagnostic tests. Students (n=52), teachers, curriculum team, and administrators could use the evaluation results. (SLD)

This commentary on EC 231 901 notes that mainstreamed education is not always appropriate and preferable to self-contained class placement for students with mental retardation. The school must identify elements of the mainstream education program that are likely to meet the child's instructional, social, and emotional needs and contribute to the…

Combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, this article examines the language and literacy needs of immigrants to Canada. A Toronto-based case study portrays a group of Latin American adults and their daily uses of English and Spanish. Literacy needs in both languages are noted, as is the contradiction of government commitment to…

Seven chapters present 31 propositions challenging traditional ideas about the nature and practice of program evaluation. Methods to improve evaluation models and approaches and ways to address intermediate and advanced evaluation issues are explored. The discussion also serves as an introduction to the most analytical and comprehensive of the…

To develop a perspective for assessing the effectiveness of developmental education, we must develop definitions, values, and criteria that permit consistency in analyzing students' learning needs and educational outcomes and in comparing research on developmental education. Research literature shows that a lack of consistent perspectives for…

Montana's Comprehensive System of Personnel Development (CSPD) Council reorganized into five regions to address diversity of needs in large geographic areas. Descriptions, needs assessment, regional activities to meet staff development needs, and use of the training-for-trainers model are reported for each region. Results of statewide and regional…

Emerging technology changes to obsolete technology in a short time. Formal policies need to be adopted as technology becomes a more fundamental element of school administrative and instructional programs. A survey of 17 unified school districts in 2 midwestern states revealed that only 2 districts had a formal written obsolescence policy. (MLF)

Focuses on the needs of students who choose distance learning for instruction. States that these students' information needs may or may not be the same as those who pursue their studies on campus and have ready access to the college library. Recommends some approaches to fulfilling these needs. (VWC)

Describes the development of a distance learning course at Keele University (United Kingdom) for staff training in the use of information technology for people with special needs. Discusses course design, learner needs analysis, course content, instructional design, and formative evaluation. (Contains 24 references.) (LRW)

Discusses components of a successful facilities-improvement bond issue. Districts must have a clearly articulated mission statement; a unified board of education; an open visible superintendent; the ability to identify, quantify needs. Boards must be attuned to the electorate, develop an organized election campaign; communicate the message…

This article discusses a family-centered approach to assistive technology assessment for young children with mental retardation or developmental disabilities and their families. After a literature review, legal definitions of assistive technology are examined, and a model is presented for supporting and involving families in technology assessment…

Describes the development of a graduate education technology course at the University of Massachusetts based on a service-learning model in which the goal was to apply academic theory to the practical requirements of a resource-strapped school district by assigning advanced graduate students to address educational technology needs. (Author/LRW)

The Family Support Services program of the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in Michigan encourages active collaboration between parents of children with special needs and professionals. This article addresses the history and philosophy of parent involvement; a district survey of family needs which identified information as the highest ranked…