TIMSS measures trends in mathematics and science achievement at the fourth and eighth grades in participating countries around the world, while also monitoring curricular implementation and identifying promising instructional practices. Conducted on a regular 4-year cycle, TIMSS has assessed mathematics and science in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, and…

A four-part publication places intergenerational programming in the larger context of community renewal and well-being. Part I, "The Basics: What, Who, and Why," contains two articles. The first, by Kathlyn Thorp, defines intergenerational activities and considers organizations which should be involved in such activities and possible…

This packet contains 24 articles reprinted from books and journals dealing with effective staff development in small and rural schools. The articles are arranged in four sections. The first section reviews current research on staff development, discussing workable ideas, decision making principles, and general characteristics of effective staff…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) kit draws on materials related to preservation activities that have evolved over the past six years. In addition, information obtained from 97 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries that responded to a 1984/85 pilot preservation survey conducted by the ARL Microform Project, as…

This publication represents the collaborative efforts of vocational educators who are involved in the planning and teaching of high technology training programs. It contains a series of reports and profiles which illustrate the diversity of high technology programs in vocational education institutions and the variety of approaches that can be used…

This information packet for those interested in promoting parent and family involvement in their children's schools opens with "A Quick Overview of Some Basic Resources." This section contains lists of 28 selected references, some research syntheses available from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), and 10 Internet resources…

Staff who bring a mental health perspective to the schools can deal with problems of staff burnout. This packet is designed to help in beginning the process of minimizing burnout, a process that requires reducing environmental stressors, increasing personal capabilities, and enhancing job supports. The packet opens with brief discussions of "What…

Schools committed to the success of all children must have an array of activities designed to address barriers to learning. This introductory packet contains some aids to help school staff find new ways of thinking about how schools should assess barriers to learning. The following items are included in the packet: (1) a chart of "Barriers to…

What does it look like when a school uses data wisely? "Data Wise in Action", a new companion and sequel to the bestselling "Data Wise", tells the stories of eight very different schools following the Data Wise process of using assessment results to improve teaching and learning. "Data Wise in Action" highlights the…

The result of a survey of editors, students, teachers, and others knowledgeable in the field, this report provides profiles of 10 quality journalism schools and 10 outstanding instructors. Following an introduction and a description of the nature of the survey, the first portion of the guide presents descriptions of the journalism programs by…

A 1979 Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) survey focused on reviewing the current state of fiscal planning and cost studies in Association of Research Libraries (ARL) member libraries. The survey results indicate that, while some libraries are beginning to use cost analysis techniques to evaluate current programs, to plan for new…

This handbook contains journal articles, reports, and documents collected for the purpose of providing school administrators with current information on computer applications in public schools. The first part of the handbook includes reports on computer oriented programs in the schools of Alaska and Oregon, procedures for assessing computer needs,…

The handbook contains eight chapters on aspects of the education of multiply handicapped, hearing impaired children. Chapter 1, by R. Nowell, presents a service delivery model for the education of this population. In Chapter 2, Nowell and S. Landino discuss psychosocial assessment procedures and instruments. T. Frank and C. Chorney survey…

This book provides useful "how-to" information to help shelters create a safe, healthful, and supportive environment for their youngest residents. The chapters of the book are: (1) "The Effects of Homelessness on Children and Families" (Janice Molnar); (2) "Children and Domestic Violence: Recognizing Effects and Building…

Inclusion is the practice of educating children who have disabilities in classes together with their peers who do not have disabilities. This packet on "least intervention" contains resource materials that help ensure appropriate inclusion. The first section of this packet contains discussions of appropriate inclusion and a description of the…