Although the Great Flood of 1993 has dramatically reminded us never to take rivers for granted, it has also underlined the need to learn more about rivers and the environment in general. Rivers Project, an interdisciplinary high school curriculum, allows science, social studies, and English teachers to integrate curriculum in a way that encourages…

Argues that institutional effectiveness issues in community colleges are situation-specific and demand flexibility in assessment model design. Briefly describes 20 community colleges using exemplary assessment practices and models. Diagrams a comprehensive assessment model using internal and external effectiveness measures and offers eight…

Discussion of science and math instruction for elementary and secondary students highlights the use of microcomputer-based laboratories (MBL). Data collection, storage, and display are discussed, the use of databases to organize and manage information is described, and the exchange of ideas with other students through telecommunications is…

Practices in needs assessment are reviewed since 1981, the year the federal government changed the role it plays in promoting needs assessment in the public sector. The review is based on reports published to 1993 and indicates that needs assessment is flourishing in a variety of settings. (SLD)

Describes an activity in which students examine hypothetical exposure to toxins by being showered by different colored pieces of confetti over several visits to exposure sites. Students record quantities of confetti that stick to packing tape. Colors correspond to different toxins posing different health problems. Students process their findings…

Describes activities using sensors connected to a computer via a data-logger. Elementary students investigated several scientific questions of sound, light, and temperature sensors including: What is the effect of putting a coat on a snowman? How can you make a hot drink cool down quickly? Do sound, light, and temperature vary in different…

Delineates four elements of successful student-scientist partnerships: (1) use of an inquiry-based approach; (2) employment of authentic, community-based investigations; (3) student in the role of scientist; and (4) student in the role educator. Contains 17 references. (DDR)

Describes the Earth Day-Forest Watch Program which introduces kindergarten through high school level students to field laboratory and satellite-data analysis methods for assessing the health of Eastern White Pine forest stands. (DDR)

This study developed concordant relationships between American College Testing Program and Scholastic Assessment Test scores for students taking both examinations between October 1994 and December 1996. Fourteen universities and two state education departments participated in the study. Text provides information on data collection, sample…

Describes the California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse and its online, searchable database of more than 2600 recommended software, video, and Internet-based instructional resources. Outlines the review and recommendation process used by the Clearinghouse. Presents reviews of 10 products representative of those in the database. (DSK)

A recent national survey polled public library directors and local government officials concerning the value of public library services and outlook for local tax support of public libraries. This article focuses on procedures used in planning the study sample, and broader issues to be considered in designing a national sample for public libraries.…

This article discusses how speech-language pathologists are in a strategic position to identify the problems, carry out an evaluation of feeding and swallowing skills, and determine the needs for medical team referral. It focuses on guidelines for obtaining a history, physical examinations, and observing a typical meal. (Contains references.)…

Describes River Watch, an award-winning floating river study project that gives students continuous contact with the river environment. (PVD)

Presents a water-quality monitoring project in a Denver school that has evolved into an experiment using a constructed wetland system to treat the acid-mine drainage from an abandoned gold mine. (PVD)

This article proposes that the learning stories model can be used effectively as an assessment method for young New Zealand children with special needs. In this model, early intervention assessment data are collected in natural contexts. A description of experiences in using learning stories is provided. (Contains 13 references.) (CR)