Presents a point-counterpoint discussion focusing on four issues involved in the positive and negative values of using textbooks: (1) encyclopedic or comprehensive; (2) third-hand sources or efficient compilations; (3) expensive or cost effective; and (4) authors, known and unknown. Suggests that textbook adoption decisions should be based on the…

Summarizes a study showing that a group of midwestern elementary and secondary principals had similar priorities for selecting teachers, regardless of the desired position level. Higher selection priorities (enthusiasm for teaching, communication skills, and interviewer's evaluation) were preferred over lower priorities (reference information,…

Organizations can improve success in hiring or placing change agents by emphasizing needed competencies, confirming credentials, establishing contracts, and ensuring that change agents speak the organization's language and are flexible and focused on objectives. (SK)

When selecting diversity consultants, administrators should supervise hiring decisions, recognize that cheaper is not better, realize that good writers are not always good speakers, avoid interest-group advocates lacking political savvy, discourage consultants with destructive/disrespectful approaches, and accept partial responsibility for…

Surveys of Fortune 500 companies in 1978, 1985, and 1995 revealed trends and preferences in content of resumes and cover letters. Compared to earlier years, current preferences were for both letters and resumes in the initial contact, more emphasis on grammar and spelling, and acceptance of two-page resumes. (SK)

Explores the use of the Friedman method of ranks (H. Friedman, 1937) as an inferential procedure for evaluating competing models in structural-equation modeling. Describes the attractive features of this approach, but raises important issues regarding the lack of independence of observations and the power of the test. (SLD)

Focuses on the perspective of managers when they receive and/or seek information in the oil and gas industry. Finds that managers (1) prefer to receive trade, product, and service information through multiple media; (2) perceive information received via multiple media to be comprehensible, credible, and relevant to their tasks; but (3) use rich…

Focuses on the issues of the course advice given to secondary students who were intending to study one of the more demanding mathematics subjects in year 12. Concludes that all students would benefit from studying as much mathematics as they are capable of in terms of the problem-solving skills they would acquire and future course and career…

Participants in Study 1 rated the appropriateness of four models of responsibility to a man or woman seeking psychotherapy for uncontrolled anger or depression. In Study 2, appropriateness of these models was related to three types of counselor and problems of personal adjustment, anxiety, schizophrenia. Results, clinical implications are…

More black leaders are making the deliberate choice to serve historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). However, black leaders whose careers have been mainly at black schools find it nearly impossible to attain leadership positions at either majority white schools or national higher education organizations. Controversy over the issue…

A board vice-chair describes Portland (Oregon) School District's year-long search for a new superintendent after a burnt-out incumbent decamped in September. The board hired a utilities executive stand-in, then ran enticing advertisements, encountered media problems, assembled a list of 19 candidates that rapidly deteriorated, visited two…

Outlines some of the many confusions about young adult literature. Sheds some light on what young adult literature is (defining it as all genres of literature published since 1967 that are written for and marketed to young adults). Discusses briefly how it can be used in schools. Offers a list of the author's 20 favorite books for teenagers. (SR)

Shows, in "Cordel" literature (a popular manifestation found in northeastern Brazil) an expressive source for the analysis of popular culture in Brazil. Uses this literature to discuss images of reading. (PA)

This letter from the president of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) addresses the departure from the organization of Marilyn Smith, Executive Directory, and J.D. Andrews, Chief Operations Officer. The letter includes information on NAEYC's search for replacements, including an official call for applications and…

Describes types of videos with suggestions for instructional uses. Presents copyright rules and procedures. (SK)