Even small groups of child care workers can benefit from clear procedures that help ensure fair treatment and create an atmosphere of security in which staff can concentrate on providing the best possible care for young children. This guide provides child care employers, employees, and volunteers in Great Britain with information about their…

Since many first line managers (FLMs) have not participated in formal learning, how they make sense of their roles and the training they are doing is significant. A relationship between inadequate literacy skills and ability to do a job is assumed. Language, literacy, and numeracy must be understood in terms of social practice and creation of…

Results of a national survey of the status of part-time faculty in unionized two-year colleges are reported. Four aspects of faculty status are considered: eligibility for tenure, salary schedule and fringe benefits, participation in governance, and specific working conditions and employment practices. (MSE)

Recounts the origin and evolution of the America-to-Asia oil shipping business. Originally shipped in tin cans, two to a wooden case, the industry was revolutionized by the development of bulk tankers. Discusses the technological challenges faced by these vessels, safety concerns, and early competition from Russia. (MJP)

Studied influence of age and research support on frequency of technical innovation and economic growth in United States between 1929-1984. Found research support and age influenced number of patents awarded which, in turn, influenced deviations in gross national product. Concluded that development and maintenance of creative potential needs…

External environments of 1,284 Canadian teachers from urban (n=600), suburban (n=234), and rural (n=450) schools were assessed using a version of the School Environment Constraint Instrument. External constraints confronting teachers ranged from moderate to low. The impact on classroom instruction must be considered to understand teachers'…

Examines the implementation of an alternating day schedule in middle school. It is suggested that block scheduling provides an effective instructional alternative to the traditional six- or seven-period format, creating a relaxed atmosphere while decreasing stress and improving attitudes of both students and teachers. Blocks provide a gradual…

Implementation of the University of Virginia Medical Center's computerized system for mandatory recordkeeping of physician orders is discussed, focusing on administrative issues: delays, costs, disruption of work routine and behavior, and the need to bring in a senior management team. Recommendations are made for institutions with similar…

Discusses the ideological and social grounding and effects of the NCTM's "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics" and "Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics." Includes issues regarding the financial crisis in education, inequality in schools, the possibilities and limitations of a mathematics…

A survey of 341 fourth-year Ohio medical students investigated attitudes regarding residencies' policies on drug screening, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing, and smoke-free workplaces. Substantial subsets indicated they would rank lower, or not at all, programs requiring preresidency drug screening or HIV testing but would rank schools…

Discusses the nature of job satisfaction, its relationship to performance, and associated organizational factors, such as commitment, in research libraries. Symptoms of job dissatisfaction are outlined, and a framework for improving job satisfaction provides suggestions in the areas of hiring, professional development, job design, empowerment, and…

Discusses the need for libraries not only to recruit, but also to retain, diverse professional staffs. Topics include diversity as a multi-dimensional concept; creating an environment conducive to retention; ensuring equity in regard to promotion, professional development, and success; the tenure process in academic libraries; and mentoring…

The CFO (chief financial officer) performs the budgeting, accounting, and financial functions for a local education agency (LEA). The CFO of 1998 works in a very different environment from 25 years ago, due to changes in school funding sources (from local to state systems), information technology, and school district organization and…

The 1998 study of the K-8 principal shows that the principal's role, revolving about staff supervision, student discipline, marketing, and community/political interactions, has become increasingly diverse and complex. The 42% turnover rate will probably continue into the next decade. Today, 42% of K-8 principals are women, compared to 20% in 1988.…

A study investigated the effects of 1988 changes in Australian economic policy on the reward structures and employment trends, particularly for women, at two Australian universities: Murdoch and Edith Cowan. Results suggest that the new policy has been beneficial for some women, particularly at lower employment levels, but that climbing this more…