Programs to encourage dropouts to finish school need to overcome the roadblocks of credits, time, and support services. Highlights nine specific hallmarks of effective dropout prevention programs gleaned from a study of 479 programs titled: "School Dropouts: Survey of Local Programs." (MLF)

Six school administrators and computer users give advice on coping with microcomputer software problems. Suggestions include contacting other software users, sampling computer programs or watching software demonstrations before buying, and ensuring adequate program documentation. (RW)

Drawing on their own experiences, the authors suggest starting a program for gifted children by developing community support, choosing an appropriate type of program, assessing staff perceptions of the need for the program, identifying gifted students, developing a curriculum, involving the faculty, securing funding, and choosing the evaluation…

Evaluates the use of computerized cash registers in school lunch programs. They provide accurate records on food items sold (listing them by categories), can save time, and may perform many other sophisticated functions that improve efficiency and accountability. (MD)

Outlines 10 steps for schools to take to develop an administrator internship program. (MD)

A special report on school food service discusses the following: (1) new directions in the federal commodities program; (2) cafeteria etiquette strategies; (3) menus and management for school breakfast programs; (4) balancing nutrition and cost effectiveness; and (5) recycling cafeteria waste. (MLF)

Offers suggestions for spending staff development money effectively. Ideas include the following: (1) keep your money close to the classroom; (2) use consultants to train your own trainers; (3) beware of embarking on numerous small-scale reforms; and (4) beware of pressure to copy other school improvement methods. (CJH)

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), Incorporated, has distributed over 57 million books in its 18 years. RIF programs have raised children's interest in reading and their levels of reading achievement, and have increased library use and parent involvement. The national RIF organization offers several forms of support for local programs. (PGD)

To improve test scores and instructional quality, school districts in New Brunswick (New Jersey) and Adams County (Colorado) implemented programs to increase student time on task. Administrators introducing time on task programs should involve teachers and principals in planning, answer six staff questions, and provide support for necessary…

Describes application of a preschool education program in an Ortonville, Michigan, school district. The six programs are grouped in the same location, meet a variety of needs, and are part of a larger community cluster. Combining programs benefits both children and adults. (CJH)

Explains Project Simu-school, a computer program that can predict enrollment, needed buildings and programs, and anticipated costs. (JM)

Describes a Pennsylvania county school district's efforts to restore summer school despite budget restrictions and declining enrollments by combining forces with 14 other schools. Five local superintendents developed a plan for a countywide remedial program charging students $60 tuition for each 2-hour course taken. (MLH)

Offers advice to principals on initiating a writing program, including tips on planning, teacher training, costs, and assessment. One cardinal rule: the administrator must also write. (Author/WD)

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: And you thought you'd tried every trick in the book to cut student absenteeism. You haven't. Now that computers have become an accepted feature in many schools' administrative offices, you might want to check out a new, computerized telephone system that six Chicago schools are using. Each of the…

Establishing a district's gifted education program involves (1) building support among other administrators, (2) involving teachers, (3) planning the program through a school-community committee, (4) developing a budget, (5) having principals coordinate the program, (6) maintaining parent support, and (7) not favoring the gifted program over other…