Describes how new technical standards are allowing colleges to customize distance-learning programs by blending online-learning software from several companies. (EV)

Offers tips from furniture manufacturers to keep classroom furniture looking good for many years: (1) select quality furniture(2) pay careful attention to the surface material(3) stack it and roll it (ease of portability and storage); (4) clean it properly; and (5) choose good a partner in maintenance. (EV)

Argues for the use of nonfiction in classrooms. Presents three passages from sources usually far removed from the typical secondary language arts classroom to help make the point. Concludes that just as the study of fiction, drama, and poetry help students explore their thoughts and feelings, nonfiction can offer a reality check with which to…

Invites readers to extend the metaphor of roots and flowers to include all relationships--from those we are born into to those we choose. Considers that all relationships involve give and take, with some resulting in warm feelings and understanding, and others ending up frayed and worn thin. Presents annotations of 30 works of children's…

Discusses four books that carry out the theme of critical literacy and social justice. Notes that three of the four are edited collections and represent many voices. (SG)

Evaluates a method for item selection in adaptive testing that is based on Kullback-Leibler information (KLI) (T. Cover and J. Thomas, 1991). Simulation study results show that testing algorithms using KLI-based item selection perform better than or as well as those using Fisher information item selection. (SLD)

Presents brief descriptions of 36 children's books, all "good books" with the potential to linger in the hearts of readers. Organizes the books into categories: those that withstand the test of time, relate to common experiences, explore family relationships, extend readers' knowledge, inspire readers to follow their dreams, and invite readers…

Discusses the use of job-screening techniques to help in custodial-staff hiring process. Describes the screening techniques and explains their positive effects on costs and productivity. (GR)

Examines issues related to selection and censorship in five public libraries in Southern California in order to document public librarians' selection practices and to determine whether library policy and procedure assist librarians when confronted with challenges from the community. Explores issues of self-censorship in selection and community…

Examined the influence of item parameter estimation errors across three item selection methods using the two- and three-parameter logistic item response theory (IRT) model. Tests created with the maximum no target and maximum target item selection procedures consistently overestimated the test information function. Tests created using the theta…

Reports on two contributions to the study and understanding of management learning processes. Offers the concept of 'emergent manager' and applies a particular style of analysis to the study of manager selection. Comments on ways in which the roots of management learning can be found. (Contains 39 references.) (DDR)

Discusses test validation studies, adverse impact analyses, and job analyses used to validate assessment procedures for screening corrections officer candidates in Pennsylvania. Addresses psychological screening, background investigations, and assessment fairness. (Contains 50 endnotes.) (SK)

Presents annotations of 16 nonfiction children's literature books (published in 2000 or 2001). Considers how to meet the needs of the children who are seeking quality nonfiction. Gives certain criterion for selecting nonfiction for children such as: the qualifications of the author, the scope and purpose of the book, and the information accuracy.…

Features 20 outstanding books published in 2000 and selected by the 2001 Orbis Pictus Award Committee. Presents books focusing on trailblazers, exhibiting outstanding human achievement; views from the artistic world; views from the scientific world; and views from the historic world. (SG)

Presents a nonfiction sampler of 10 favorite titles of the 1990s with descriptions of features that make them distinguished examples of the genre. Notes that the comments about the 10 picks focus on several exemplary characteristics of content, access features, and visual information. Concludes that deciding which nonfiction books to share with…