The failure of the teaching profession to react to the infiltration of paraprofessionals into the teaching ranks, a movement promoted by what amounts to an administration/school board conspiracy, suggests that teachers are doomed to second-class status. (Author/JN)

Suggestions include use of student teachers, parents, and retired people, among others, for more effective and individualized instruction. (SP)

Current rationales for volunteering are seen as marketing strategies developed by organizers in the independent sector and used to help recruit volunteers for particular causes. Voluntarism in America was once thought to be a civic duty, but it is now seen as a vital component of adult education. (MLW)

Trained volunteers tutored youth and adults who were reading below fifth grade level. Pre- and posttest measures of reading, verbal language, listening comprehension, and locus of control were taken. Experimental subjects, but not controls, made significant gains in general reading and discrete reading subskills. Trained volunteers can ameliorate…

Identifies the immensity of the illiteracy problem, enumerates who are the functional illiterates, and explains what is being done by voluntary organizations such as Literacy Volunteers of America to eradicate it. Literacy Volunteers of New York City, the problem of financial support, and national awareness and progress are highlighted. (EJS)

Discussion of program established in 1977 by the Queens Borough Public Library and Literacy Volunteers of New York to combat the problem of adult illiteracy notes recruitment, training and retention of tutors, student intake procedure, cooperation with community organizations, special programs (math, writing, adult basic education), and program…

Describes a nutrition education program for the elderly in which 22 older adults were recruited and trained as peer educators to create interest in nutrition and serve as liaisons between peers and sound sources of nutrition information. Participants (N=933) reported that sessions were interesting and provided useful information. (Author/JAC)

A survey found volunteer faculty members were generally satisfied with their role in medical education, despite problems involving respect and responsibility when working with academic colleagues. Recognition of and indifference to problems are discussed in relation to the erosion of the utilization and authority of volunteer faculty members.…

Operationalizes a psychological theory of productivity with data from a large sample of 13-year-old students administered eight items concerning voluntary science activities in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Discusses validity of model of the productivity theory and usefulness of secondary analyses of NAEP data. (Author/JN)

Summarizes a national survey of the hospice community. Results indicated that the hospice community is attempting to meet the mental health training needs of its paid staff members and volunteers. However, more than half expressed a need for further training and a more systematic and comprehensive curriculum. (Author)

Summarizes experiences of five elementary school librarians in Hawaii in organizing and training student assistants. The librarian's role, selection of student assistants, job duties, teaching the assistants, recruiting assistants, tips for shelf readers, and incentives and rewards are noted. Four references are provided. (EJS)

During the past year American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) members have been working with local science museums, giving lectures, helping design exhibits, and meeting with young people to talk about science careers. They are part of a project to improve science education programs of science/technology centers and museums.…

A program is described that provides potential dental school applicants with realistic exposure to dentistry, in cooperation with undergraduate career counseling offices. High school and college students serve as volunteer assistants in three different functions (instrument sterilization, miscellaneous office procedures, and actual dental…

Measured quality of life of 373 preretirees and retirees to determine the contributions to life satisfaction of age, sex, retirement status, education, marital status and volunteer status. Found persons engaged in volunteer activities more satisfied with their lives. Educational level was also positively related to life satisfaction. (Author)