Analyzes economic and social costs of functional illiteracy in industrialized countries, highlighting Canada and the United States. Identifies the functionally illiterate and the illiteracy-poverty cycle. Estimates the cost of Canadian illiteracy is between $4.2 and $10.7 billion. Suggests measures for preventing adult illiteracy, including…

Analyzes literacy campaigns in developing countries since early postcolonial efforts. Sees the Experimental World Literacy Programme as a turning point, reflecting lessons learned from past failures. Identifies features of successful campaigns, including political will, resource mobilization, timing, decentralized implementation, realistic…

This discussion of funding for assistive technology devices for children with disabilities addresses how to locate community funding sources, set priorities, increase peoples' awareness of technological applications, and encourage parental involvement. An annotated bibliography lists seven items on funding, and a chart shows an example of an…

Discusses the formulation and findings of a nationwide survey which focused on materials selections concerns of school media centers: (1) whether a materials selection policy exists that is approved by the school board; (2) number of library media specialists; (3) whether library media specialists feel external pressure regarding materials…

The New York State Community Schools Program is a State Education Department initiative to build school/community collaborations, promote school change, and organize schools as sites for the delivery of a wide range of services to children and their families. Describes schools' role as brokers of collaborative supports and services. (AF)

An interdisciplinary approach to problem solving which may be used in liberal arts colleges is described. Course content, class members, classroom environment, goals, teaching approach, course format, and the results of this approach at one college are discussed. Lists of documents, articles, movies, books, and information resources are provided.…

Defines the whole language approach as an attitude about how children learn as well as a teaching strategy that transcends specific curricular areas and extends far beyond language arts. The implications for publishers, teachers, librarians, and curriculum developers are discussed. (CLB)

Suggests practical steps that can be taken to track and evaluate the success of community college students who do not follow linear patterns of program completion. Highlights the value of data sharing and exchanges with state agencies and other higher education institutions. Addresses the issue of confidentiality of student records. (DMM)

Discusses the difficulties encountered by children and adolescents when they are confronted with different types of catalog access modes in public and school libraries. Suggestions for alleviating these difficulties include the design of friendly features in online catalogs and cooperative planning by public and school libraries. (five references)…

Provides an annotated bibliography from the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) Social Studies Social Science Clearinghouse on the Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations given to high school students. Resources focus on the relationship between success on the AP Examinations and subsequent success in college courses and on other…

Discusses problem areas in the development of school libraries in Nigeria, including lack of legislation, shortage of funds, poor accommodations, unavailability of trained staff, lack of relevant material, and apathy on the part of school administrators and the government. Recommendations for improving this situation are suggested. (17 references)…

Investigates the following questions: (1) women's risk of poverty relative to men's; (2) the sources of sex differences in poverty; and (3) the correlation between changes in the sex/poverty ratio and changes in family structure. Confirms the feminization of poverty over time and suggests measures to reduce poverty for women and their children.…

Traces the development of a second generation library network consisting of 15 autonomous National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) libraries. The discussion covers some comparisons between the first and second generation networks, types of computerized systems and communication systems used in the current network, and future plans.…

Describes the responsibilities and the role of universities in adequately preparing teachers to use educational technologies. Topics discussed include instructional design and development of technology training; curriculum considerations, including interdisciplinary efforts; the availability of resources; and the role of faculty, including the…

Outlines characteristics of an effective inservice staff development program to promote the use of computers in schools, and discusses the contribution that industry can make in supporting such programs. Highlights include training in technology skills; educational vision; time and resources allocations; and educational change planning, including…