An example shows how a group of professionals and citizens can select a feasible site for a facility by rank ordering criteria of availability, population, accessibility, and cost. (MLF)

Instructional materials are mediocre and inflexible because (1) education agencies leave important decisions to materials producers; (2) students, parents, and teachers lack influence; and (3) schools depend excessively on such materials. Cites research supporting this view, and suggests broad criteria and actions to improve textbooks. (MCG)

Explains how an Illinois school district was forced to develop a plan for writing an entire district curriculum in one day and how the plan was effectively carried out. The approach is not presented as a model for emulation but, rather, as an example of what can be done with limited resources. (MD)

Data relating to the hiring of academic administrators are presented, showing substantial changes in the hiring process, but little evidence to support the intent of legislation to involve more minorities in academic leadership and management. (Author/MLW)

Reports on third annual mini-survey on religious books in 30 public libraries across nation covering seven areas: regularity of purchase of religious materials; percentage of book budget used; percentage of circulation; collection policies; gifts; patron demand; attempt to "balance" book collection on certain issues; pressure from…

Labor economics textbooks for use with college students were surveyed. Information concerning intended audience, content, and teaching aids is provided for each text. Criteria used in evaluating the texts is provided. (RM)

The first of two articles designed to provide guidelines for the instructional development phase of instructional systems development focuses on general instructional methods supporting all instructional tasks. Teaching methods that support selective attention, processing in working memory, and connecting in long-term memory are described and…

Presents a rationale for teaching "Catch-22" in the 1980s. (DF)

Discusses the benefits of reading young adult novels. Remarks on their serious intent, careful craftmanship, effective expression, as well as their ability to illuminate the human condition and provide insights. (EL)

This annotated bibliography lists 25 educational software programs that were recently judged winners by "Learning" magazine. Offered to provide guidance to practitioners in program selection, the listing includes programs in reading/language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, problem solving, and creative arts. (DG)

Questions relative to unit strengths and weaknesses, mission, resource allocation, and desired leadership characteristics should be addressed prior to beginning a dean selection process. Responses to these questions may help instititions find a dean who can provide the desired type of leadership. (DF)

The problem of choosing educational and psychological tests to identify students with learning disabilities is discussed within a cost-efficiency framework. An efficiency index for estimating the classification accuracy of tests is presented and the use of expert judgment and the cost-effectiveness ratio is demonstrated with a numerical example.…

Ten teacher guidelines for selecting computer software programs for learning disabled students are outlined. (JW)

A content analysis of textbook adoption statutes of 22 states was undertaken to gain insight into the reasons behind state textbook adoption. Findings indicate the intent of state-level textbook adoption may be to control marketing practices of the publishing industry. (DF)

Describes a community college's process of choosing good educational software. Elements include the college's own software catalog, statewide vocational curriculum laboratory, catalogs from established publishers, and the state software clearinghouse. The author then discusses software reviews and the questions that are asked concerning preview…