(1991). Long-Range Plan for Library Services in Wisconsin, 1991-1996. Bulletin No. 92157. This report addresses the status of library development in Wisconsin, the needs and problems of libraries, and possible ways of meeting these needs over the next 5 years. These long-range plans developed by the staff of the Division for Library Services (DLS) reflect reports submitted to the DLS, surveys, consultations with librarians and trustees, and various statewide planning efforts and studies involving librarians from around the state. The primary focus of the plan is on statewide and state-level library activities, DLS statutory requirements and services, and the Library Services and Construction ACT (LSCA) priorities. Intended to provide a broad framework for division and statewide planning activities, as well as a framework for local library and system planning efforts, the long-range plan is presented in three sections: (1) characteristics of Wisconsin affecting library services, including population, economic indicators, and trends in education; (2) a statement of the…
(1993). Changing Systems for Children and Families. This document summarizes the results of research on reform of state and national policy affecting families and children. The document begins with a rationale for change, and follows with four chapters that identify barriers stemming from attitudes, system organization, resource limitations, and technical problems. Each chapter suggests strategies for overcoming these barriers. Problems stemming from attitudes include resistance to change, deficit mentality, over-specialization, public skepticism, politics, and "turf battles." Suggested strategies include: (1) formulating a clear vision; (2) instituting cross-disciplinary and cultural training; (3) soliciting public involvement; (4) communicating successes; (5) changing agency work environment; (6) building coalitions; and (7) developing collective ownership. Systems difficulties include lack of a policy framework, diffused authority, complexities of funding, inadequate communication among agencies, lack of commitment, and…
(1994). Teachers as Readers. Literacy Research Report No. 18. A study examined teachers' reading habits and attitudes. Subjects, 204 educators who were enrolled in classes or a for-credit reading workshop in the northern Illinois area, completed a 32-item survey to determine their reading habits. Respondents were primarily elementary teachers who had earned at least a bachelor's degree and who had six or fewer years of experience in their current position. Results indicated that: (1) over half read at least three journal articles a month and two professional books each year; (2) at least three-fourths read the newspaper daily, one magazine that was not a professional journal, and one book for pleasure reading monthly; however, (3) only half of the respondents reported that administrators where they worked shared research and other professional writing at meetings; (4) only about 40% of the respondents felt that their colleagues frequently referred to ideas and research from professional readings; and (5) respondents felt they did not have… [PDF]
(1994). Chairing the Multi-Disciplinary Department. One of the most distinctive features of academic departments in community colleges is their multi-disciplinary nature. While the creation of multi-disciplinary departments usually results from pragmatic considerations, they do present some advantages over one-subject departments in that faculty are obliged to learn other disciplines and a system of checks and balances is maintained between the disciplines. The chairs of such departments, however, are faced with unique considerations. First, they must create an inclusive departmental identity through departmental meetings and off-campus retreats in which faculty can identify and discuss goals, interests, and needs that all the disciplines share. Second, chairs must understand the size and politics of the department and identify common interests to offset any rivalry between disciplines. Third, it is important that chairs set standards for good teaching, while at the same time learning what methods work in which discipline. Fourth, it… [PDF]
(1991). Strategic Plans for Use of Modern Technology in the Education of American Indian and Alaska Native Students. The American school system is an invention of the Industrial Revolution. Schools were organized like industries to train workers for an industrial society. The resulting large, low-context, industrial schools institutionally discriminate against Native students. Also antagonistic to Native students is the dogma of Western science, a reductionist model that accepts only observable, quantifiable, replicable information as valid. However, the technology of industrial education has reached its upper limit of performance and is proving inadequate to meet the expectations of society. On the horizon is a new educational paradigm, a new way of viewing reality, supported by new technological tools. These tools include local area computer networks, integrated learning systems, CD-ROM technology, computer managed instruction, computer assisted instruction, multimedia systems, statewide and other large scale computer information systems and databases, and distance education technologies. Ten… [PDF]
(1989). Project B.E.S.T.: Better Educational Systems through Telecommunications. Phase I. Evaluation Report. This report summarizes the pilot-year (1988-89) activities of a project in the Green Bay Area (Wisconsin) Public School District which provides educational programming via an ITFS (Instructional Television Fixed Service) system. The goal of the project was to expand opportunities for staff development, staff communication, and resource sharing through effective utilization of a distance education telecommunications network. This report begins by describing the formation of an ITFS user consortium–the Northeast Wisconsin Telecommunications Education Consortium (NEWTEC)–and activities undertaken to meet two objectives: the design and implementation of staff development programing in a minimum of four locations, and the provision of increased learning opportunities with the network fully operational by January 1, 1991. Findings of the Phase I evaluation are then presented, covering technical concerns, the ITFS consortium structure and communication, ITFS program selection and… [PDF]
(1983). Assessment and Treatment of Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents. These papers on child and adolescent sexual abuse address the psychological consequences, psychological assessment techniques, and clinical issues in group therapy with sexually abused girls. In the first paper. H. Elizabeth King discusses the psychological consequences of sexual assault and incest on minors particularly in regard to family dynamics; the victim's age, cognitive development, and affective problems; and the effects on long term interpersonal relationships. Next, Carol Webb considers the psychological assessment of sexually abused adolescents in the context of a clinical study of 14 abused girls. Results of the study are presented in which the differences between this population and \normals\ in objective, projective, cognitive, and affective processes are addressed. Differences between incest victims and those individuals with a one-time-only occurrence of sexual abuse are discussed also. In the final paper, Ann Hazzard explores the effects of group therapy over time… [PDF]
(1987). When Writers Read. Focusing on encouraging students to take responsibility for their own learning and giving them a sense of control over their efforts, this book explores how the response approach to writing instruction can be put to good use in teaching children to read. Respectively, chapters discuss (1) how the author learned about writing, reading, teaching, and learning; (2) writing with reference to time, choice, response, structure, and community; (3) how time affects reading; (4) how readers decide what to read, why they want to read a book, and which strategies to use; (5) responsibility between teachers and students, among students, and to the self; (6) the structure within which the teacher moves among the students and the students work together and alone; (7) the role of the community; (8) how listening affects reading; (9) how talking affects reading; (10) evaluation and reading attitudes; (11) the role of phonics; (12) skills, including context clues, spelling, phonics, punctuation,…
(1978). Diglossia and British Sign Language. Sociolinguistic Working Paper Number 46. A study of the nature and function of British Sign Language (BSL) as used in the British deaf community is described. The study examined two hypotheses: (1) that the notion of diglossia applies to the British deaf signing community, and (2) that the low variety of BSL will exploit the visual medium in its grammar to a greater extent than the high variety. Data were collected on the structural features of the language relating to diglossia according to Charles Ferguson's work, and on those areas of grammar sharing special potential for exploitation of the visual medium: spatial modification as a marker of case relations, negatives, and interrogatives. The research population was the entire British signing community of about 40,000. Results show the community has a clear perception of two varieties of BSL, each used under different conditions comparable to high and low forms in diglossia, and that the low form does exploit the visual medium in its grammar to a greater extent. The… [PDF]
(1987). Building Self-Esteem and Confidence of Substance Abusers through Adult Basic Education. A 310 Special Demonstration Report. September 1, 1986 to June 30, 1987. A project was conducted at Crossroads Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center (Erie, Pennsylvania) to help residents build self-esteem and confidence through a course involving decision making, problem solving, and values clarification. Strategies, academic skills, reading, writing, and mathematics were introduced as part of the program. Over the years, counselors at the Center have noted the substance abusers have one outstanding problem–poor self-image. Clients were helped to set goals and to prepare for the General Educational Development Tests in order to receive a high school diploma. A curriculum centered on motivation lessons that would increase self-esteem, enhance decision-making ability, and give the students goal-making skills was developed and implemented. The BASIS test was used for pre- and posttesting. Self-esteem was measured by the Junior-Senior High School Personality Questionnaire (HSPQ). To implement the curriculum, two adult learning center instructors met with… [PDF]
(1988). "Creative" Work Schedules. Many creative or flexible work scheduling options are becoming available to the many working parents, students, handicapped persons, elderly individuals, and others who are either unable or unwilling to work a customary 40-hour work week. These options may be broadly categorized as either restructured or reduced work time options. The three main restructured work time options are flextime (a work schedule that permits flexible starting and quitting times but still requires a standard number of hours within a given time period); compressed work weeks (full-time work schedules in fewer than five days each week); and telecommuting (an arrangement in which employees working off-site are electronically linked to an office via computer). The following are reduced work time options: permanent part-time (less than full-time employment that includes job security and all other rights available to full-time workers); job sharing (an arrangement in which two people voluntarily share the…
(1988). Student Outcomes Assessment Survey 1987-88. Assessment of student learning and development has become a national issue. The status of local campus initiatives was considered in a national survey designed to determine (1) the extent to which assessment programs have been developed or are being developed, (2) the objectives and source of initiation, and (3) assessment techniques. Emphasis was on the role student affairs played in local campus assessment initiatives. All National Association of Student Personnel Administrator (NASPA) member institutions in the United States and Canada were surveyed with a pen and pencil instrument. Responses were solicited with the Total Design Survey Method. The survey form had four areas: general institutional information, student outcome program/plan, information sharing, and optional section. Institutions were identified as two- or four-year colleges, universities, or graduate schools, although there were not enough respondents in the fourth category to permit conclusions to be drawn…. [PDF]
(1984). A Guide to Intergenerational Programs. This report provides information on the content, impact, and characteristics of over 50 model intergenerational programs across the United States. It is organized along a continuum starting with programs involving the most physically capable and mobile persons and moving toward those in which the older person is in increasing need of support and service. The report provides (1) ideas for types of intergenerational programs that might be appropriate responses to local needs, (2) models of sound practice, (3) information about individuals, organizations, and clearinghouses that provide expertise in special program areas, and (4) resources on program development. Programs in the first section describe complementary ways in which the need for suitable child care has been met by older persons needing stimulation, social contact, and/or added income. Fifteen programs incorporating intergenerational programs into elementary, secondary, and higher education are described in the second and… [PDF]
(1988). Education Reform in Rural Appalachia, 1982-1987. This study examines the effects of recent statewide education reforms on small, rural schools in 13 Appalachian states. Education reform measures passed in the Appalachian states during 1982-1987 focused on improving schools through the following major approaches: (1) increased accountability through testing students and changing accreditation standards for schools; (2) higher minimum standards in schools and mandated curriculum improvements; (3) changes in teacher compensation, certification, and professional development; (4) new programs to improve administration and leadership; (5) mandated programs for special populations; and (6) increased state aid and changes in financial aid formulas. Forty-seven responses from a mail survey of 114 rural school districts and interviews with 80 state policymakers and local education officials indicate that (1) reform implementation has stretched the administrative and financial capacity of rural school districts; (2) new curricula… [PDF]
(1987). Long-Range Plan for Library Services in Wisconsin, 1987-1992. Bulletin No. 8169. This report addresses the status of library development in Wisconsin, the needs and problems of libraries, and possible ways of meeting these needs over the next 5 years. These long-range plans developed by the staff of the Division for Library Services (DLS) reflect reports submitted to DLS, surveys, consultations with librarians and trustees, and various statewide planning efforts and studies involving librarians from around the state. The primary focus of the plan is on statewide and state-level library activities, DLS statutory requirements and services, and the Library Services and Construction Act (LCSA) priorities. Intended to provide a broad framework for DLS and statewide planning activities, as well as a framework for local library planning efforts, the long-range plan is presented in three sections: (1) characteristics of Wisconsin affecting library services, including population, economic indicators, and trends in education; (2) a statement of the organization and…