This collection contains the texts of four draft papers and four responses that were presented at a symposium on defining literacy. The following papers are included: "Definitions of Literacy" (Richard L. Venezky); "Definitions of Literacy: Responses" (Reynaldo F. Macias); "Literacy for What Purpose?" (Larry…

In this discussion on the development of expertise in teaching, a theory of skill learning is first presented. The characteristics of five stages of skill development in teachers are described: (1) novice; (2) advanced beginner; (3) competent teacher; (4) proficient teacher; and (5) expert teacher. A review of data collected by studies on the…

Because of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program's strong emphasis on performance, there is a danger that local JTPA programs are neglecting the program's goal of adequately serving those with the greatest problems in obtaining and sustaining employment. A number of JTPA officials at the federal, state, and local levels were interviewed…

Informed consent is required from a child's parent or guardian before use of some types of behavior modification for severe behavior problems, such as tantrums, self-abuse, aggression, stealing, destruction of property, etc. Behavior modification procedures that produce physical or psychological discomfort or pain require informed consent because…

Now is the time to "retrofit" policies and practices and reach for the goal of a just system of early education and care for all children and their families. The current social landscape of early care and education is filled with individual programs that are manifestations of disparate visions. While rich in variety, such a social landscape lacks…

Guidelines are presented for using the "Handbook of College and University Trusteeship," a compendium of information relating to trustee responsibilities. The following components of a comprehensive program of trustee development are covered: new trustee orientation, annual board workshops and retreats, regularly scheduled board…

Comprehensive guidance is offered on the organization, procedures, and responsibilities of public library boards. Individual chapters address the following topics: the legal context for public libraries, organizing the library board, the board and the library staff, the public library and its communities, budgeting for service, public relations,…

Although education, as an activity mandated, sponsored, and supervised by the capitalist state, is as much an apparatus of the state as any other state agency, it is far more democratic, open to change and innovation, and subject to potential community control than any other state apparatus. To understand education's function in a capitalist…

This paper describes procedures for establishing a special library in organizations where no such library previously existed. The role of the library in meeting organizational information needs and the reasons for setting up a special library are discussed. The paper then focuses on activities to be completed during a library planning process.…

In April 1981 the staff of the Pasadena Public Library in California began a 2-year study of the Pasadena community and its library operations in order to develop long and short range plans that match library services with changing community information needs. A 5-year plan was compiled with nine major goals related to developing a user-oriented…

In 1988, the Tennessee Legislature passed permissive legislation (TCA 49-940) that allows school officials to test suspected students for using drugs. The law provides that testing is optional, with each local education agency deciding whether or not to adopt the policy. Twelve school systems chose to adopt the legislation as board policy. This…

The so-called "drug abuse problem" in America is really a constellation of separate but related problems; since a variety of drugs are illicitly used, and drug abuse leads to many derivative problems, both within and outside the United States. This monograph begins by assessing the current state of the drug abuse problem in America, and analyzing…

Chapter 6 of a revised volume on school leadership, this chapter defines and explains management teams and describes several successful examples of team management. Superintendents have come to rely on their management team's expertise to resolve increasingly complex policy, administrative, and instructional issues. Although team management has…

Law review and journal articles on sexual harassment in higher education are presented along with policies and procedures from selected universities and organizations, guidance on drafting policies, and a selected bibliography. The following law review and journal articles are presented: "Recent Legal Developments in Sexual Harassment"…

Hearings were conducted to discuss legislation aimed at reducing student loan defaults in the federal Guaranteed Student Loan program. The Student Default Initiative Act of 1988 is designed to address the growing cost of student loan defaults and the increasing imbalance between grant and loan assistance. It develops a procedure to get the…