The author was disappointed by R. J. Campbell's sour critique of the Cambridge Primary Review in "FORUM" Volume 52 Number 1 2010. His description of the Review's proposals on curriculum and pedagogy as "backward-looking, cumbersome and partial" is such a bizarre misjudgement that it calls for some response. The author comments in turn on R. J.…

Ensuring college access amid rising tuition costs has hovered near the top of the nation's education agenda for years. Facing heightened concern about the student debt burden and disappointing college graduation rates, policymakers are hungry for fresh ideas. Federal Pell Grants, the primary means for subsidizing college tuition for…

A tongue-in-check response claimed to be from the prime minister of England to Thomas Jefferson regarding the "Declaration of Independence." Claims that the declaration fails to meet recently adopted specifications for proposals to the Crown and lacks a line-item budget, citations from recent literature, and measurable goals. (MLF)

Proposes, in the spirit of good library keeping, a regional cooperative approach to the preservation of library materials which would embody conservation services of a lower order than a conservation laboratory: e.g., stack cleaning, facilities inspection and repair, and book dusting. (JD)

Considers the following factors in applying for state training grants: information to include, targeted awards, matching funds, paying trainee wages, eligibility criteria, program administration, and chances of success. (JOW)

Steps for hiring training consultants are (1) check credentials; (2) specify needs; (3) ensure a fit with the organization; (4) request written program proposals; (5) make clear evaluation arrangements; (6) monitor appointed consultants; (7) give clear feedback; and (8) be prepared to answer awkward questions. (SK)

A cost/benefit analysis technique is recommended for school board members who need to evaluate alternatives presented for board action. The model involves four parts: product and evaluation, alternatives, cost analysis, and cost/benefit comparison. (Author/WD)

Gives advice for writing proposals seeking technology funding, including development of a technology plan and information gathering about potential funders. Includes a list of Web sites listing funding sources. (JOW)

Understanding the myths and realities of grant proposal writing should help administrators searching for ways to fund special projects. A chart of do's and don't's provides additional recommendations. (KS)

Proposes a prevention program based on public relations, outreach interviews, education and training. Also discussed are paternal involvement, hospital visitation, home visitation, and adjunct activities. (RH)

Contends that a well-prepared "capture plan" can mean the difference between winning or losing a procurement opportunity. States that the plan can become a tool for use while assembling a proposal team. Provides information regarding the content of a typical plan--from details needed for a basic program summary to steps required to conduct…

Sets forth a proposal for a new organization, the Two-Year College Association (under the aegis of the National Council of Teachers of English), intended to give a more precise identity and greater visibility to two-year college teachers than is possible within the present national Two-Year College Council. (SR)

Successful grants management depends on understanding types of grants and sources of grant funding, writing multiple proposals, and managing and closing out grant projects. Ensuring renewal necessitates adhering to funder requirements, maintaining positive relations, and reporting effectively. (SK)

Illustrates the similarities between mass production projects in industrial arts and the planning steps involved in writing funding proposals and implementing funded projects. (SK)

The author agrees with Clyde Chitty (pp73-76 of this issue) that the current "options" system of English secondary education is inadequate for most pupils, but he rejects the Department of Education and Science's proposed common core curriculum as an inadequate and even potentially harmful alternative. (SJL)