(2003). Transforming Supervisory Grading: Accountability in Supervising and Evaluating Beginning Teachers. To study the ways that new ways of sharing responsibility for teacher quality affect grading discourses and practices, more than 900 surveys were collected from student/intern teachers and cooperating teachers and supervisors over a 9-year period. Opinions about pass/fail grading for student/intern teaching were tabulated and analyzed. Additional documentary material and a survey were also reviewed. Differences among participants reported attitudes and institutional practices are discussed. Analyses indicate that pass/fail grading is viewed in a positive light by a minority of respondents across types and programs and over time. In the 2002 survey, a majority of supervisors responding reported use of pass/fail grading and indicated support for rubrics and standards. Overall, secondary-level teachers and supervisors appeared to have slightly stronger preferences for grading systems traditionally used by colleges and universities. Respondents of all levels commented on the uses of… [PDF]
(1976). Library Networks, 1976-77. Some 25 library networks in the United States now rely on computers for resource sharing. Library functions that best lend themselves to automated network operation include: cataloging, acquisitions, interlibrary loan, and reference. Progress over the last ten years in collecting and standardizing machine-readable data for library applications forms a basis for networking, but work remains to be done in this area. The oldest and largest of the networks, the Ohio College Library Center (OCLC), now has over 700 on-line users. Given the existence and extent of OCLC the new emphasis of the Library of Congress, a national network becomes conceivable. In the commercial sector, on-line services have grown rapidly in the reference field and are becoming established for cataloging and processing. Combining different types of libraries as well as public and private entities in a working system and achieving technical compatibility of the systems are major goals of prime importance to future…
(2006). Opportunity is Knocking: Will Education Open the Door? Carnegie Perspectives. Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching This essay presents a discussion of how the tools and resources of open source education may demonstrably improve education quality. The main tenet of open education is to make educational assets freely available to the public. This is becoming easier and less expensive as network and multimedia technology evolves. Obstacles may stand in the way of using these and other powerful tools and resources in ways that will actually improve the quality of education. The author discusses the following: (1) although the tools and resources are readily available, transferring practical knowledge about how to use them is not easy; (2) ultimate success in open education requires a change in education culture and policy; and (3) looking beyond institutional boundaries and connecting efforts among many settings and open source entrepreneurs. Sharing educational tools and resources, and the wealth of teaching experience that comes from effectively using these assets, Iiyoshi anticipates three… [PDF]
(1975). Follow-up Study of Dental Hygiene Graduates, 1971-74. Research Study No. 75-5. Forty-seven (51.1 percent) of the 92 graduates of the Dental Hygiene program completed a questionnaire designed to provide feed-back information concerning activities of program graduates. Results indicated that: (1) Practically all graduates were employed as Dental Hygienists, with most sharing their time among two or more offices; (2) Daily salary averaged $75 to $90 depending upon length of employment and types of services rendered; (3) About half the graduates received a variety of fringe benefits, the most common being dental services; (4) Number of patients seen per day ranged from four to twenty, averaging about ten; (5) Most graduates participated in continuing education courses following their graduation, but many of these courses were brief one-day or conference type endeavors; (6) Most were employed only in general dental hygiene work–about 10 percent also worked in periodontic and pedodontic areas, with one each working in orthodontic, geriatric, and oral surgery clinic… [PDF]
(2002). Motivations of Elderhostel Participants in Outdoor Adventure Programs: A Life Cycle Perspective. A study examined the relationship between older adults' motivations to participate in outdoor adventure experiences and their retirement status. Surveys of 782 adults over 55 years old participating in 72 outdoor adventure programs found that although there were several significant differences in motivation based on retirement status, the overall motivations were similar for all participants and included being involved in nature, being physically active, being involved in a learning atmosphere, being with a group of respectful peers with similar interests, becoming competent in the program area, and resting and relaxing. Findings suggest that older adults may be using outdoor adventure activities as a means to prepare emotionally for retirement or to aid in the transition into retirement. Program administrators should be cognizant of these motivations and design outdoor adventure programs for older adults to include a perspective on life, a sense of personal meaning in life, a sense…
(1994). Resource Strategies in the 90s: Trends in ARL University Libraries. Occasional Paper 16. In 1992 the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) surveyed administrators in member libraries regarding resource strategies of the previous three years. This paper summarizes revenue activities, adaptive tactics, and budgetary practices reported by 87 Canadian, U.S. private, and U.S. public university libraries and establishes a baseline for comparing these factors. The period from 1990 to 1992 has been a difficult one for ARL members, with the largest reductions in public support experienced by public university libraries. All respondents sought outside revenues to supplement their campus allocations. Virtually every responding library had experienced some form of internal restructuring, and three of every five had eliminated positions over the three-year survey period. Administrators valued flexibility in fund reallocation very highly, but few had much control over carrying unspent funds to the next year. While 88% of respondents expected the demand for services to grow, only… [PDF]
(2009). Leading Them to Water: A Study of the Efficacy of a Mandatory Placement Project in First-Year Academic Courses at a Community College. ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Iowa State University. Student retention is a topic at the forefront for all post secondary education institutions. Supporting students in their studies, providing the resources to empower them to complete their education is a critical component in the quality and success of colleges. It is also a fiscal concern for colleges. While first year programs abound, community colleges are faced with the challenges of a largely commuter population with very diverse backgrounds. Community colleges are also by mission, open access institutions. This quantitative research study looked at a mandatory placement project piloted at a central Iowa community college in 2006 and 2007. It focused on an analysis of the first year program options provided at the college and the effectiveness of intensive, directed advisement of students to participate in one or more of the options in relation to enhanced persistence from fall to spring. Six different academic course environments were studied: a traditional first year seminar… [Direct] [Direct]
(2009). American Indian Veterans' Views about Their Choices in Health Care: VA, IHS, and Medicare. American Indian Culture and Research Journal, v33 n3 p23-33. Legislation during the past three decades has gradually drawn Indian Health Service (IHS)-funded clinics into the mainstream of the US medical care environment. The Indian Self-Determination and Education Reform Act of 1973 and its Indian Education Amendments of 1984 began a movement away from federal management of health services to local tribal control of the more than five hundred facilities serving American Indians. At the same time the Indian Health Care Improvement Act granted authority to IHS-funded clinics to bill Medicaid, beginning a long and continuing negotiation among the tribes, states, IHS, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). In 1990, 6% (72,000 individuals) of IHS beneficiaries were more than sixty-five and eligible for Medicare. Some 31.6% lived below the poverty level and were eligible for Medicaid. By 2008, 18% of the IHS budget is assumed to be met by third-party collections, including CMS billing. The Alaska Native and American Indian Direct… [Direct]
(2007). The Role of Collegial Interaction in Continuing Professional Development. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, v27 n4 p214-219 Fall. Introduction: Many physicians seek information from colleagues over other sources, highlighting the important role of interaction in continuing professional development (CPD). To guide the development of CPD opportunities, this study explored the nature of cancer-related questions faced by general surgeons, and how interaction with colleagues addressed those questions. Methods: This study involved thematic analysis of field notes collected through observation and transcripts of telephone interviews with 20 surgeons, two pathologists, one medical oncologist, and one radiation oncologist affiliated with six community hospitals participating in multidisciplinary cancer conferences by videoconference in one region of Ontario, Canada. Results: Six multidisciplinary cancer conferences (MCCs) were observed between April and September 2006, and 11 interviews were conducted between December 2006 and January 2007. Sharing of clinical experience made possible collective decision making for… [Direct]
(2010). The Development and Perpetuation of Professional Learning Communities in Two Elementary Schools: The Role of the Principal and Impact on Teaching and Learning. ProQuest LLC, Ed.D. Dissertation, Western Carolina University. Professional learning communities (PLCs) provide schools with a tool to meet the professional development needs of their teachers through ongoing, job-embedded staff development designed to improve instruction and student learning. While research exists on the development of PLCs, there is a gap in the literature concerning the principal's role in the development and perpetuation of PLCs and the perceived impact of PLCs on instruction and student learning. The purpose of this study was to explore the development and perpetuation of PLCs at two elementary schools. The specific research questions addressed in this study were: (1) How did the professional learning communities in two elementary schools develop and perpetuate? (2) What was the role of the principals in the development of a professional learning community in two elementary schools? (3) How have the principals in these two elementary schools perpetuated the professional learning community? and (4) What, if any,… [Direct]
(1987). Alaska Arts Resource Directory. This directory lists over 250 non-profit and for-profit arts organizations in 90 Alaskan communities. Compiled as a resource guide for artists, arts administrators, and teachers, this document offers information that assist them in sharing resources, communicating, and coordinating arts activities. It contains information from and about arts organizations, schools, school districts, libraries, museums, city governments, arts businesses, and commercial galleries. It is organized by city and contains information about each city's population size and the name, address, telephone number, and director of the included arts organizations. Budget data for non-profit organizations and a short description of each organization's purpose and major activities are provided. Information about seven national or regional organizations and a map indicating Alaska's communities that are represented in the directory are included. (JHP)…
(1980). Comprehensive Long-Range Program for Library Services in Wisconsin, 1980-1985. Devoted to long range planning for library services, this issue of the Wisconsin Library Bulletin reviews population profiles, economic indicators, social and governmental concerns, trends in education, and current surveys and needs assessments to formulate planning for Wisconsin Library Services over the next five years. Goals and objectives are developed for multitype library cooperatives, networks, and resource sharing; library services for general users, including the concerns for children, young adults, and college students; and library services for such specialized users as the disadvantaged, the institutionalized, and scholars. Special emphasis is given to the use of computer and communications technology and to the physical development of public libraries, systems, and facilities. Appendices deal separately with the scope, procedures, criteria, and priorities of the Library Services and Construction Act. (RAA)…
(1977). Southwest Regional Resource Center. Final Technical Report. June 1, 1974 Through September 30, 1977. The document presents the Southwest Regional Resource Center's (SRRC) final technical report on its major activities, products, and services for handicapped children from June 1, 1974, to September 30, 1977. The element summaries, which comprise the main text of the report, contain information on model development, regional task force work, direct appraisal programing services to children, sharing of resources with other regional resource centers and agencies, and the implementation of workshops and major conferences sponsored or co-sponsored by the SRRC. Not all activities nor all products are specifically mentioned, the intent being to summarize large areas of work to capture a broad picture of SRRC activities over the 3-year period. A supplemental materials index provides information on products from all regional resource centers, along with explanatory information. (Author/DLS)…
(1976). System for Collecting, Analyzing, and Sharing Information on Institutional Consumer Protection Practices: Regulatory User Guide. Improving the Consumer Protection Function in Postsecondary Education. The guide is intended for use by staff of governmental agencies that exercise regulatory authority over postsecondary educational institutions. It describes a simplified system for collecting, analyzing, and sharing information on the policies and practices of the regulated institutions. The policies and practices in question are those that relate specifically to preventing potential abuses of students, who are consumers of the services provided by the institutions. The system is designed to operate within the existing tripartite system of determining/maintaining/terminating an institution's eligibility to participate in U.S. Office of Education programs of financial assistance for postsecondary students. These programs include the Guaranteed Student Loan Program, the Basic Educational Opportunity Grants, and the three institution-based programs of College Work Study, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and National Direct Student Loans. (Author/MSE)… [PDF]
(2004). Non-Traditional Characteristics of a Successful Science Fair Project. Science Scope, v27 n6 p20-24 Mar. Science fairs offer students the opportunity to develop skills in inquiry, writing research proposals, working with peers, verifying results, and sharing experimental findings. However, the science fair itself does not necessarily translate into a student's attainment of such skills. Project quality and a student's successful achievement of good inquiry skills vary greatly from fair to fair. Participation in a science fair should not be viewed as the \one shot\ opportunity for teachers to involve their students in inquiry, but rather it should provide both extensions and reinforcements to skills that were developed over time through a variety of classroom activities. Furthermore, science fairs should offer students the opportunity to transfer both scientific knowledge and acquired inquiry skills to new situations that allow them to solve problems and answer questions. (Contains 2 figures.)… [Direct]