Schedules of classroom activities and direct observation of actual activities were collected in 24 early childhood special education classrooms. Significant differences were found between the amount of time that teachers allotted for activities (such as play, self-care, transition, and story time) and the amount of observed time that children…

Reports a study which assessed (n=915) Wisconsin teachers' perceived competencies in, attitudes toward, and class time devoted to teaching about the environment. Results implied that lack of training in environmental education is a major reason teachers do not infuse these concepts. (Contains 43 references.) (Author/MKR)

Schools' characteristics obstruct reform because teacher and student norms and values are at variance with one another. Because most reforms gobble teacher time, reduce teacher autonomy, and disturb current routines, they frequently fail. Chances for success will improve when context or reforms directly addressing organizational features are…

To serve at-risk minority students better, secondary schools should exchange the usual six-period daily schedule for an intensive, single-subject format (similar to summer school) during the typical 36-week calendar. One immediate advantage of using intensive three-week sessions for each subject is increasing time spent on academics. (six…

Describes a survey of state librarians that was conducted to collect data related to time management practices and the leadership styles of directors in state libraries. Delegation of authority and the ranking of time-wasters are examined, and results are analyzed and interpreted to provide recommendations for improved efficiency. (10 references)…

Discusses what are believed to be five areas of neglect in foreign language instruction in the elementary school. These include the following: time allocation, time on the task, teacher preparation, program expectations, and articulation. (GLR)

Examined use of time among female caregivers of dementia patients who used home care (n=20) and day care (n=20) respite services. Assessment of caregiver activity during respite and nonrespite days revealed significant program differences in amount of caregiving time and overall differences in amount of noncaregiving time. Use of respite time was…

A survey of eighth graders in 11 countries showed that countries whose students averaged the most homework (8 to 9 hours weekly) also had the highest average test scores. Swedish and U.S. students did the least homework (4 to 5 hours weekly) and had the lowest scores. Japan's system is praised and U.S. youth's TV-viewing habits deplored. (MLH)

This survey found that teachers (n=775) are willing to have mainstreamed students in their classrooms if students do not exhibit emotional or behavioral problems. They are willing to make interactive adaptations but not spend time conducting preplanning or postplanning. Elementary teachers were more likely to make planning adaptations. Barriers to…

Analysis of data on faculty workload, time expenditures, and pay support the idea that the college faculty reward system tends to emphasize the discreteness, not the mutuality, of teaching and research. Most institutions expect faculty to make conscious choices between those activities rather than assume that one reinforces the other. (MSE)

Describes the use of focus group interviews by the Iowa City Public Library to determine how the libraries' business services were being used and how they could be improved. Analysis of group suggestions highlights lack of knowledge about library services, differing degrees of perceived ease of use and motivation, and time constraints. (22…

The Copernican plan can help almost every U.S. high school decrease its average class size, increase its course offerings, substantially reduce teaching load, provide students with regularly scheduled seminars, establish a productive learning environment, and substantially increase learning mastery within present funding levels. Sidebars describe…

School boards in contract negotiations with teachers' unions can expect demands for fewer hours in the classroom, higher salaries, and better health care to dominate the talks. In addition, teachers will demand more training and support in dealing with students with disabilities, especially medically fragile children. (MLF)

Examined academic self-concept of 133 undergraduate students who completed Academic Self-Concept Scale. Areas of concern for this sample included academic self-concept; scholastic ability; academic skills; and the students' confidence in the classroom, especially in relationships with instructors. Assertion and time management appeared to be…

Discusses why time planning is important for middle school readers. Outlines the steps in effective time planning. Describes how to help students apply time planning techniques. Presents evidence of the effectiveness of this planning program. (SR)