Examines the question of playground safety and why, when guidelines for safer surfaces and equipment are readily available, communities are still stumbling to create safer playgrounds. The 12 leading causes of playground injuries are highlighted. (GR)

Discusses key planning tips prior to purchasing computer-lab furniture to help ensure the furniture is stylish yet able to deliver efficient, cost-effective technology support. Discusses one school's solutions to wire management and finding furniture that was durable, easy to maintain, and competitively priced. (GR)

Presents six steps for creating an appropriate playground area for children. Steps discussed are forming a playground planning committee, gathering information, formulating a concept plan, putting concepts into action, actualizing the plan, and planning a celebration. (GR)

Presents guidelines for conducting and reporting qualitative environmental education research developed during a 10-hour, 1-1/2 day workshop sponsored by the North American Commission on Environmental Education Research (NCEER) during the 1997 annual meeting of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). (Author/CCM)

Discusses implementation of a thorough assessment program to determine the condition of boilers, pressure vessels and other plant equipment to determine the feasibility of part or entire system replacement. Assessment basics are examined as are tips for selecting the right inspection and engineering contractor for assessments. (GR)

Presents the basic financial reporting elements of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB-35) for public colleges and universities, including statements of net assets and cash flow reporting. The GASB-35's impact on facilities managers is discussed. (GR)

Building designers, owners, and managers are morally responsible for providing persons with disabilities with a safe way out of multistory buildings. Although codes, standards, and elevator features may make the job more complicated, all of the difficulties can be overcome. Four figures illustrate elevator egress. (MLF)

Discusses planning points when negotiating joint ventures for designing public recreational facilities. The obstacle and impact of money in the negotiations is examined as are handling the definition of operational responsibilities, personnel and maintenance, program and service delivery, and progress of the partnership and facility itself. (GR)

Discusses how accessible equipment for children with disabilities makes integrated playground design a reality. Examples of playground designs are provided. (GR)

This article utilizes the agency-structure debate as a framework for constructing a health lifestyle theory. No such theory currently exists, yet the need for one is underscored by the fact that many daily lifestyle practices involve considerations of health outcomes. An individualist paradigm has influenced concepts of health lifestyles in…

As varied as the schools and the communities they serve, so too are the Web pages for the library media programs that serve them. This article provides guidelines for effective web design and the information that might be included, including reference resources, reference asistance, curriculum support, literacy advocacy, and dynamic material. An…

The comprehensive framework was developed in the Effective School Improvement Project. The initial framework was based on an analysis of a range of theories and an additional analysis of case studies in the field of school improvement. A revision took place after an analytic confrontation of the initial framework with successful improvement…

Studying animals in the classroom enables students to develop skills of observation and comparison, a sense of stewardship, and an appreciation for the unity, interrelationships, and complexity of life. This article offers guidelines for working with live animals in the science classroom or laboratory.

Over the past quarter century, the study of child and adolescent development has made important progress by using its theoretical insights to address the common problems of growing up. In light of findings generated by this empirical activity, it is now time to take a new look at the field's theoretical base to establish a comprehensive framework…

The paper's goal is to propose a conceptual framework, a "knowledge infrastructure," demonstrating that social gerontology is at the point of becoming a distinct academic discipline. The various phases of gerontological development that have led to the current stage are outlined. The components of the framework are arranged vertically by three…