Although politicians and educational leaders are pressured to devise quick-fix educational reforms, significant change takes time, and reform efforts may not be fully measurable for 10 years or more. Case study of a California school district given 10 uninterrupted years to develop and implement an outcome-based instructional model suggests that…

Answers questions concerning outcome-based education (OBE), including underlying beliefs, characteristics, reasons to change to OBE, needs it will fulfill, how to begin OBE, and arguments in opposition. Cites dramatic improvement in students' test scores in Connecticut, Utah, and New York school districts after the implementation of OBE. (MLF)

Addresses the need for reference librarians to reassess their service priorities and service delivery methods to operate efficiently and compete effectively with commercial information services. Highlights include inappropriate use of librarians' time; inefficient service delivery methods; cost effectiveness; and a consultation model of service…

Described are two methods of classroom management that attempt to optimize the first few moments of the class period. One method focuses on using the prior day's homework, and the other uses new problems presented to the students to work on as they enter the classroom. (MDH)

This planning guide for efficient use of the last weeks before school opens offers ideas for interactive hall and wall displays, a guide to self-made math manipulatives, a materials checklist, a four-week task planning countdown, and a listing of teacher resource books and other classroom materials. (SM)

Elementary and secondary teachers present strategies for using technology to reduce time spent on routine classroom tasks. The article describes computer software that streamlines classroom management (e.g., for keeping grades and teaching notes). An annotated list of software programs and their manufacturers is provided. (SM)

Discussion of the role of subject bibliographers in collection development activities focuses on an approach developed at Virginia Polytechnic and State Institute to provide a formula for estimating the collection development workload of subject bibliographers. Workload standards and matrix models of organizational structures are discussed, and…

Analysis of questionnaires returned by 16 of 450 accounting faculty found that (1) experience is inversely related to the amount of effort allocated to research alone and to the aggregate of teaching, research, and service; and (2) a significant positive relationship was found between rank and administrative activity. (SK)

Includes two articles that discuss time management and mail management strategies for librarians. Highlights include identifying personal work styles; planning and prioritizing; using calendars and computers; reexamining traffic patterns; delegating; and sorting and handling mail. (Contains eight references.) (LRW)

In England, the traditional 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. school day, with generous lunch, morning, and afternoon breaks, is yielding to alternative arrangements to accommodate the extra workload arising from numerous government-mandated reform initiatives. This article documents the reasons, discussions, and processes involved in one secondary school's…

Elements in the effort to make the annual Nova University (Florida) audit more time efficient included gaining agreement with the auditors for a specific closing date; coordinating efforts of various departments involved; identifying and eliminating major obstacles; streamlining procedures when needed; and continuous coordination and monitoring of…

Discussion of online searching focuses on the first three of seven stages of searching: (1) the reference interview, including user needs, the search request, and the user's expectations; (2) the tactical overview, including institutional control and cost and time factors; and (3) database selection considerations, including relevance,…

A literature review showed substantial growth in the use of compressed work weeks. Employees benefited from increased leisure but suffered from increased fatigue and work disruption. Organizations might experience enhanced morale and less absenteeism as well as work coordination and communication problems. (SK)

Tandem teaching employs the best qualities of seven innovative classroom approaches (team teaching, core curriculum, flexible scheduling, elective classes, individualized instruction, peer tutoring, and computer-assisted instruction) to restructure the curriculum, relieve boredom, and maximize class time. Success depends on careful planning and…

The spouse of a former superintendent provides suggestions for minimizing, though never eliminating, harmful repercussions on their mates. Expectations of being a public persona, socializing with board members, sacrificing free time, responding to public criticism, and dealing with boards' private agendas demand creative coping approaches.…