Describes methods for constructing gates and slalom courses to teach paddling skills to young campers. Describes how the English Gate system, a standardized course, can be used both for instruction and to test camper's paddling skills. Recommends the use of a three-level award system (novice, intermediate, and expert) to recognize camper…

Compares the Baldrige Award, Deming Prize, and ISO 9000 registration in terms of purpose, focus, eligibility, time frame, information sharing, number of recipients, and assessment. Suggests that vocational-technical programs in higher education could be improved using the criteria for these awards. (SK)

States that the author had an interesting experience serving on the IRA Book Award Committee, beginning with her dog eating her application. Outlines the criteria for judging books in two categories, preschoolers to 10 years of age, and 10 to 16 years of age. Explains the difficulties in reading the many boxes of books that came and filling out…

The article summarizes responses of 30 alumni directors to a survey concerning creative ways to recognize alumni and volunteers for outstanding service. Examples are given of specialized award categories, innovative award mementos, and special ceremonies. (DB)

The 1990-91 AASA/National Staff Development Council Award for Outstanding Achievement in Professional Development went to Hattiesburg (Mississippi) Public Schools. Top educational research honors went to graduate student Dianne E. Ashby, for an HIV project at Illinois State University, and educational psychologist Lou Ann S. Dickson, for a project…

Reviews 12 books about schools including 3 about school reform and 2 each on technology in education and gender discrimination. Other subjects are historically black schools, strategies for at-risk children, total quality management for school boards, and children in poverty and neighborhood organizations that have helped them. Highlights six…

This speech, given by the recipient of the American Library Association (ALA) Author Achievement Award in 1990, discusses the responsibilities of writers of young adult fiction. Issues addressed include problems in growing up, declaring independence from your peers, and the importance of the role of librarians. (LRW)

This interview with children's book author and illustrator Jan Brett covers childhood influences; illustrating folk tales, fables, original stories, and other author's books; awards and reviews; the creative process; developing brochures to accompany books; and drawing animal characters. A list of books written and illustrated by Brett is…

A Louisiana school district has made tremendous progress toward developing and implementing an environmentally friendly solid waste management program. Packaging changes in school food service, newspaper and aluminum can recycling, and composting of leaf and yard waste have contributed to reduced waste sent to the local landfill. (MLF)

Presents the 1997 architectural award citations for outstanding designs of K-12 school and university buildings as well as specialized educational facility designs and works in progress. Cites each architectural firm along with the school name and location. (GR)

Presents award-winning examples of new school designs for elementary schools. Floor plans and photos accompany each description. (GR)

Presents award-winning examples of new school design for K-8 schools. Floor plans accompany the description as does information on the architectural firm and design team that produced the design. (GR)

Presents award-winning examples of new school designs for middle/high schools. Describes the architectural design and lists information about the architectural firm, members of the design team, and project data. (GR)

Offers suggestions for librarians who want to be selected to serve on the Newbery or Caldecott Award committees. Topics include membership in the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association; developing a background in children's literature; and writing book reviews and articles. (LRW)

Presents the 10 educational facility award winners of the Impact on Learning Award for 1999 and explains the ways they demonstrate how real-world problems can be solved with innovative design. The design challenge facing each facility and a critique of how it was met accompanies each entry. (GR)