Discussion of text compression focuses on a method to reduce the amount of storage needed to represent a Markov model with an extended alphabet, by applying a clustering scheme that brings together similar states. Highlights include probability vectors; algorithms; implementation details; and experimental data with natural languages. (Author/LRW)

Discusses recommendations for preparing advanced practice nurses (APNs) to implement guidelines of a health curriculum: (1) ensuring age-appropriate teaching; (2) emphasizing the complex relationships of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and gender; (3) reinforcing the self-care and resilience of adolescents; and (4) examining transitions…

Locally conceived and initiated development projects are more successful than those imposed externally, but outside intervention is sometimes necessary. The implementation of the Little Sioux watershed project illustrates strategies used to overcome potential negative effects on externally initiated programs. (JOW)

Describes how the author applies the four Rs of volunteerism: research, recruit, retain, and recognize. Outlines the basics of each and how they can be incorporated in a school program. (SG)

Discusses the origin of the ADDIE model of instructional design and concludes that the term came into use by word of mouth as a label for the whole family of systematic instructional development models. Examines the underlying ideas behind the acronym analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. (Author/LRW)

Discusses the relationship between human performance technology (HPT) and instructional systems design (ISD). Addresses the balance between the benefits of diversity versus focus in the field; key differences between HPT and ISD; and clarifying the distinction between scope of analysis and diagnosis versus the types of intervention to design and…

Presents a strategic framework for standards-based reform: (1) dissemination (develop awareness); (2) interpretation (increase understanding and support); (3) implementation (change policies, programs, and practices); (4) evaluation (monitor and adjust); and (5) revision (improve efficiency and influence of standards). Outlines roles for various…

Lists 10 pitfalls to avoid when implementing electronic learning: believing it is cheaper; overestimating results; overlooking shortcomings; failing to go beyond courses; viewing content as commodity; ignoring technology; failing to involve information technology staff; overrelying on technology; assuming learning transfers; and believing that if…

This article describes the community sailing program established by the Wilmette Park District, in suburban Chicago. This program, without losing money, provides affordable instruction and other services to beginning sailors of various ages. (IAH)

The article presents a practical sequence for setting up a group reward system and offers guidelines for decisions concerning program implementation and termination. (DB)

Discusses importance of integrating values education with family life education, the assumptions on which such an integration is based, and the impediments to its implementation. Suggestions for overcoming these impediments are presented. Concludes that the role of values in family life education can no longer be ignored simply because it is…

Offers a pragmatic discussion of potential problems and practical solutions that arise when implementing funded research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Describes the activities of the investigator and NIH from the time a proposal is submitted through the first year of funding. Includes a timeline for review and funding for NIH…

Addresses questions related to team building: Are teams appropriate for the situation? What kind of team is most relevant? What practical steps will develop and sustain effective teamwork? Looks at needs of four kinds of teams ranging from informal to formal, temporary to permanent: project, work, alliance, and network. (SK)

Describes variety of programs developed in the probation department of the Kings County Court in Brooklyn, New York, between the years of 1940 and 1965. Program descriptions are organized chronologically, from the times frames of 1940-49 (innovations in probation practice), 1950-59 (development of group therapy programs), and 1960-65…

Uses data from an evaluation of an alternative teacher certification program to illustrate the value and use of multilevel models to examine site-to-site outcome differences data from multisite evaluations, showing how a traditional analysis approach can overlook effective interventions and miss important links between program implementation and…