The need for and problems of teaching ethnic languages in the United States are discussed. Difficulties include inadequately trained teachers and lack of teaching materials and guidelines. An institute for teachers of Spanish speakers is described, with emphasis on the development of a theory defining native language instruction. (PMJ)

Five priority items for the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine are outlined: (1) financing of podiatric medical education; (2) federal government relations; (3) applicant pool; (4) clinical competence; and (5) master plan for podiatric medical education. (MLW)

The relationship between data and their use in a planning, management and evaluation system in a higher education institution is discussed. Elements of the institutional planning process are detailed as well as the budgeting process and a method for relating fiscal resources to institutional goals and objectives. (Author/SF)

A plan used by Georgia State University for conducting a demographic student study for innovative planning in a metropolitan setting that focuses on short- and long-range educational planning is described, and the benefits of using this model are discussed. (BH)

Describes how focus groups comprised of speech-language professionals, paraprofessionals, general and special education teachers, and parents in Iowa were used to conduct a needs assessment of issues in staff development and use of paraprofessional personnel and to design job-relevant personnel development programs. An attached chart lists themes…

Describes a fall 1994 survey of North Carolina pharmacists to determine the level of interest in an external doctor of pharmacy degree program, examine reasons for that interest, and evaluate program designs. Among 917 respondents, 389 showed interest in a part-time program; 173 indicated interest in a later program; 355 had no interest. Increased…

Discusses academic library funding and suggests the use of management techniques by instructional librarians for developing new curriculum. Topics include techniques of instructional administration; collaboration between instructional librarians and faculty; needs assessment; strategic planning; pilot projects; implementation and evaluation; and…

A survey of 523 special educators in Missouri examined their knowledge level concerning traumatic brain injury (TBI). Results indicated a low level of knowledge pertaining to the definition and criteria for TBI and high interest in learning more about characteristics and instructional practices. Workshops and guest speakers were the vehicles which…

Provides suggestions for starting a new school library media specialist position, including defining an ideal program; creating a checklist of needs and wants; using the summer to meet staff, including principals, teachers, and support staff; formal presentations to library staff; cooperation with teachers; and meeting students. (LRW)

Offers guidelines for consultants from developed countries who are establishing automated libraries in developing countries. Topics discussed include needs assessment; collection characteristics; computer needs of the institution; user characteristics; funding; physical environment; personnel; local resources and services; and choosing…

Discussion of personalized instruction focuses on reading education and presents a systems model for teachers called a Teacher System for Personalized Instruction (TSPI). Topics discussed include diagnosing the needs of the learner; self-paced learning; motivation; achievement; mastery learning; evaluation plan; and cognitive, affective,…

Reviews issues identified by the White House Conference on Library and Information Services that relate to the needs of youth and offers specific suggestions for ways in which libraries can meet those needs. Proposed federal legislation is discussed, and a checklist designed to assess gaps at the state and local levels is provided. (CLB)

Discusses the use of instructional television and video materials in the classroom and suggests what the role of the library/media specialist should be in increasing the use of these materials. Topics discussed include matching video materials with current curriculum needs; computer database programs; needs assessment forms; promotional…

An exploratory study involving 31 families found that chronically ill children and their parents express needs and concerns to their pediatricians in veiled ways. Physicians sometimes provide reassurance too soon rather than attending to the family's underlying pathology. Vignettes describe the families' styles of communication with their…

Discussion of the role of the school library media specialist focuses on how to diagnose information needs. Highlights include diagnostic processes for individuals and for groups; the reference interview; needs assessment; neutral questions; determining user preferences; client limitations; and evaluation. (eight references) (LRW)