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The use of the cloze procedure by classroom teachers who are not extensively trained in testing in general or language testing in particular is discussed. Focal points are material selection for cloze; some technical aspects of construction and administration; insights about testing language students naive to cloze; reliability of cloze administered to small groups; and typical native speaker scoring patterns, which may suggest criterion ranges for nonnative speaker cloze score comparison. The information is drawn primarily from the work of graduate students who tested monolingual English speakers, Spanish/English bilinguals, and adult learners of English as a Second Language. General points and things to avoid in material selection for cloze are outlined for grades kindergarten through 6, high school grades, and adult classes. For the analysis of classroom cloze reliabilities, a chart indicates for each grade and section the number of items, the language, the administration mode, the number of subjects, the score type, and the reliability coefficients. Correlations of the cloze procedure with results of other achievement tests are also provided. Information on native speaker cloze scores is also given, including the frequency of word deletion, the language of the test, the test content, level of difficulty, number of items, score type, and mean scores in percentages. (SW)

One of a set of programmed texts specifically designed for college upperclassmen doing research for term papers, this text focuses on humanities related topics, and the examples have been selected with advanced research for academic disciplines in mind. The text emphasizes making critical and evaluative judgments about the materials used and is designed to show the student more than just how and where to find information. It is assumed that the user has a basic knowledge of libraries and a familiarity with fundamental reference works. The first five chapters deal with the basic steps to follow in laying a solid foundation for a research paper including: selecting a topic; using the card catalog, subject catalog and subject headings; and finding bibliographies and periodical articles. The next five chapters focus on adding special touches to the underlying structure developed in the first half of the text. Sources of book reviews and biographical information are covered as well as specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias, statistical reference works, and government documents. The explanation of each new concept is followed by a self-testing problem. Figures showing sample material from the reference works cited are used throughout the text. (DMC)

One of a set of programmed texts specifically designed for college upperclassmen doing research for term papers, this text focuses on business related topics, and the examples have been selected with advanced research for academic disciplines in mind. The text emphasizes making critical and evaluative judgments about the materials used and is designed to show the student more than just how and where to find information. It is assumed that the user has a basic knowledge of libraries and a familiarity with fundamental reference works. The first five chapters deal with the basic steps to follow in laying a solid foundation for a research paper including: selecting a topic; using the card catalog, subject catalog and subject headings; and finding bibliographies and periodical articles. The next five chapters focus on adding special touches to the underlying structure developed in the first half of the text. Sources of book reviews and biographical information are covered as well as specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias, statistical reference works, and government documents. The explanation of each new concept is followed by a self-testing problem. Figures showing sample material from the reference works cited are used throughout the text. (DMC)

One of a set of programmed texts specifically designed for college upperclassmen doing research for term papers, this text focuses on psychology related topics, and the examples have been selected with advanced research for academic disciplines in mind. The text emphasizes making critical and evaluative judgments about the materials used and is designed to show the student more than just how and where to find information. It is assumed that the user has a basic knowledge of libraries and a familiarity with fundamental reference works. The first five chapters deal with the basic steps to follow in laying a solid foundation for a research paper including: selecting a topic; using the card catalog, subject catalog and subject headings; and finding bibliographies and periodical articles. The next five chapters focus on adding special touches to the underlying structure developed in the first half of the text. Sources of book reviews and biographical information are covered as well as specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias, statistical reference works, and government documents. The explanation of each new concept is followed by a self-testing problem. Figures showing sample material from the reference works cited are used throughout the text. (DMC)

Through the use of a visual literacy process of instruction as an initial stage in perceiving and creating, beginning college art students can acquire knowledge and skills for completing successful drawings. This process includes the following steps: selecting a simple and familiar subject; studying the entire form of the subject; looking for big and small shapes on the form and studying the relationship of these shapes to each other and to the surrounding space; analyzing colors, details, and value areas; looking for line and texture; identifying a focal point; and considering movement and unity. This process has five major purposes: the production of more successful drawings, preclusion of imitation, disciplinary exercise, creation of a method of drawing from memory, and instruction on how to initially view a work of art. A bibliography and several drawings are included. (LP)

The paper describes a professor's use of student "research journals" as a means to encourage students to follow proper research methodology in developing a term paper. Students were required to make a dated entry whenever research work was done including topic selection and narrowing, preliminary background reading, aids consulted, online searches, and use of interlibrary loans. Instructor feedback on journal entries provided for individualized advice and guidance. Since implementation of the research journals, the average level of research has greatly improved with students putting in more time on research, pursuing it more systematically, and enjoying more satisfying results. Students overwhelmingly agreed with the statement, "Overall, keeping the journal was worth the time I put into it." Appended is a list of 13 steps in a thorough research project, a summary of the project requirements, and the final evaluation form which assessed student reaction to the research journal requirement. (DB)

Fifteen units on office duplication practices are presented in this teacher's guide. The unit topics include the following: consumer mathematics, stock record control, paper characteristics and classification, immovable carriage typewriter, using the manual typewriter, written communications, clerical recordkeeping, petty cash, supplementary machines, measurement, layout, photocomposing, thermal process, master makers, and verbal and nonverbal communications. Each instructional unit generally contains eight components: performance objectives; an outline of minimum instructor and student activities to accomplish unit objectives; information sheets presenting basic unit content; transparency masters; job sheets which outline skills to be achieved; student assignment sheets related to the unit information sheets (answer sheets are provided); and objective tests with answer sheets. (CT)

This study addressed the factors of Graduate Record Examination scores (GRE), race, gender, and undergraduate grade point average (GPA) as predictors of success on the Texas state administrator certification examination. The paper was presented as the entry point for expected discussion of the effects of high stakes accountability policies on the development of appropriate curriculum and instruction and the nurturance of an equitable and multicultural society. From 1996 through 2001, more than 337 students completed administrative certification requirements at a large urban Texas university. Data were obtained from student records and scores on the state examination (ExCet) were supplied by the Texas State Board for Educator Certification. A model/probability equation was developed to predict whether a student would pass the examination. Findings provide sufficient evidence to support the usefulness of the model. Out of 219 students for whom there was complete data who actually passed, the model predicted that 216 would pass, and that 3 would fail. Results also validate a correlation between the GRE, gender, race, and undergraduate GPA in predicting ExCet scores. (Contains 23 references.) (SLD)

Suggesting that poetry can be inserted into any classroom in any curricular area, this paper discusses reading and writing poetry in middle school classrooms. The paper begins with advice on reading poetry in content classrooms, and then presents a 31-item bibliography of poetry sources "for browsing." The paper then presents tips for writing content poems and a 10-item bibliography on writing poetry. It then presents descriptions, teaching methods, and samples of 10 types of poems: acrostics, biopoems, cinquain poems, concrete poems, diamante poetry, found poetry, letter poems, list poems, recipe poems, and visual response poetry. (RS)

This paper outlines a process for hiring the best candidate for a faculty or staff position, particularly structuring the process and conducting resume reviews and interviews. The entire paper proceeds from the assumption that no management function is more critical than the hiring of faculty and staff. The first section provides suggestions for each phase of the hiring process: request to fill the position, formation of a search committee, deciding what the organization needs, writing the job description, determining the hiring criteria, and noting the legal ramifications of criteria. The next section on resume evaluation and interviews opens with suggestions for developing a candidate score-sheet (includes a sample). This section also offers suggestions on analyzing the resume, checking references, and conducting a successful interview. The section on interviewing covers: what questions to ask, styles of interview questions, questioning techniques, why interviews fail, 12 key points on which to evaluate each candidate, and telephone interviews. Final sections address compiling scores, correspondence, candidate elimination, and decision-making. Appended are: information on interviewing protected class candidates (covers illegal interview questions and their legal formulations); a list of obstacles to effective interviewing; and the preemployment guide of the College and University Personnel Association. (JB)

The limited resources of most colleges and universities and the efforts of most higher education programs, including those in educational leadership, to comply with state and national standards mean that adjunct professors play a vital role in the success of an educational leadership program. This paper offers suggestions for maintaining the quality and success of adjunct professors in an educational leadership program. Tips for success are: (1) match courses taught by adjunct faculty with their areas of expertise; (2) provide services for adjuncts throughout the semester; (3) take care of the "little things"; (4) treat adjuncts as colleagues and not as subordinates; (5) encourage and support the work of adjuncts; and (6) communicate expectations of learner outcomes. (Contains 3 figures and 10 references.) (Author/SLD)

This paper discusses the findings from several interviews conducted with grandparents to ascertain the process of grief they experienced with the death of their grandchild. Typically, a grandparent's grief focuses on the dual loss aspect. In addition to the loss of a younger family member, grandparents must console their own child, the bereaved parent. The role they take with their own child is confusing and assumptions cannot be made as to what they should expect from each other. Other issues may arise because of the differences in the culture, personal beliefs, and religion of their child and spouse. Grandparents found that jumping in to solve problems may not be the best response. They may also experience some physical aspects of grief such as chest pain and shortness of breath. Confusion may set into as to whether these are symptoms represent more serious conditions. Responding to the stress with alcohol or drugs may only add to their confusion and grief. Grandparents need support and care in their time of grief. Research in this area would help counselors understand and respond to the dynamics of grandparents' grief. A lists of Web sites and an address of a support group is included. (Author/JDM)

This paper contends that many of the difficulties students of Chinese have in reading comprehension are directly related to their level of understanding of Chinese language and culture, and that these difficulties could be alleviated by providing students with knowledge about the value system, social customs, formation of Chinese characters and words, and Chinese discourse patterns. Based on an analysis of Chinese lexicon, sentence structure, and discourse, strategies to help students develop reading comprehension are suggested. Examples are offered from textbooks widely used in college and university Chinese language instruction in the United States. (Contains 14 references.) (MSE)

This paper discusses the use of skits and dialogues in a first-year Chinese course to help novice learners enhance their communicative skills. Because novice learners of Chinese lack the appropriate vocabulary and grammar knowledge to express themselves freely, skits can help them use their limited knowledge to communicate in an effective manner. Starting from lesson 13, the novice learners present one short skit per lesson, focusing on such topics as making an acquaintance or shopping in a store. Empirical experience based on oral-proficiency orientated teaching has shown that beginning students are able to use their very limited vocabulary and grammar knowledge to make interesting skits that enhance their communicative skill. (MDM)

As the 21st century begins, the clicking of computer keyboards is increasingly interrupting the calm of literary classrooms. The sound of new technology now marks the world in which students grow up and will live, how they learn, and in essence who they are. How do educators cope and make it all work? On a typical day this could happen: the department chair determines there is not enough money in the budget for a needed software program; the computer staff cuts off the campus mail server without telling you, the instructor; and your students complain that others in class are more, or less, computer literate than they are. The following are some ways to negotiate through these kinds of situations: first--form political alliances with your colleagues, administrators, the computer staff, and your students; and second--demonstrate your program's "productivity." Teaching technical writing is a continuous, and often frustrating, learning process. Despite its downsides, though, the technical writing teacher must be willing to "embrace" technology to be successful. (NKA)

This document outlines a presentation on the use of music activities to develop reading and composition skills in young children. The outline describes how music contributes to language arts development and presents several classroom activities. Activities to develop reading through music involve creating new verses to songs, cumulative story building, matching rhyming words, illustrating a song, using sound substitutions, and tongue twisters. Activities for composition focus on the importance of tone to illustrate the author's attitudes toward the subject and the audience. Contains 18 references. (KB)

This paper discusses a pedagogical technique called the discovery approach in teaching remedial and college algebra. Examples of how to introduce and enhance some algebra topics using this approach in mathematics classrooms are illustrated. It is argued that student performance would improve if more topics were presented in a discovery fashion. (ASK)

This study examines the extent to which states fund local school district school construction and renovation projects and explores the governance of that funding. It determines the different types of funding assistance that state departments of education provide to local school districts for their educational facilities and what state-level policymakers and administrators have currently mandated to ensure equity in school facilities for all students. Major findings show that most states fund school construction projects utilizing either full funding, equalization grants, percentage matching grants, flat grants, or state loans. Construction funding, however, is a low priority in the majority of states. Thirty-six percent of the states do not address equity among facilities within the state. State distinctions between funds for construction of new facilities and funds for renovation are minimal. Recommendations are offered that include the need for state evaluation of the adequacy and effectiveness of their current capital outlay provisions, the need for facility equity policies, and a greater need to address the decaying infrastructure of America's schools. (Contains 10 references.) (GR)

Techniques for using children's rhymes, games, tongue twisters, and fables in Spanish to teach bilingual education classes are described. It is argued that these abundant materials serve as natural sources for authentic Spanish from a variety of Hispanic cultures. With the appeal of rhythm, rhyme, and game-like feeling, they can be used to teach expressive vocabulary, numbers, colors, pronunciation, language rhythm, and even the use of accents while amusing students. Examples given here include short poems, a counting game, a color drill, a tongue twister, a proverb, three fables by different authors, a group guessing game, a short saying about accents, and an exercise in which students in a group create a story by chaining sentences. (MSE)

As the number of microcomputers in schools increases, it becomes more important for staff to provide opportunities for student use. When viewed as an innovation, student use of computers in schools can be susceptible to the same implementation problems as any innovation. Attitude is one factor that can influence success of implementation. In order to address the problem of underuse of computers in the classroom, this study re-visits the issue of the effect of gender and experience on computer attitudes. The Computer Attitude Scale (CAS) was administered to 289 teachers (91 male, 192 female) enrolled in graduate education courses at a large southwestern university. In general, the results suggested that the respondents had fairly positive attitudes. The results supported previous research indicating that experience is a differentiating factor but did not support the theory that gender affects attitudes toward computers. (Contains four tables and eight references.) (LH)

One of the major goals of mathematics education reform efforts is for students to become more confident in their abilities. This paper suggests that computer conferencing provides a way to change classroom practice so that students can work together in a self-paced manner that builds self-esteem and confidence in mathematics. A pedagogical technique that employs computer conferencing as a vehicle for the delivery of mathematics instruction is described. The software employed is a platform that can be used in a classroom, in an entire school, or at greater distances such as throughout a school district. Information on computer conferencing is presented and the benefits of computer conferencing in the mathematics classroom are discussed. Examples of classroom math games using computer conferencing such as, "Math Bingo,""Puzzle," and "Treasure Hunt" are included. (ASK)

This brief 3-page paper gives a broad outline of the type of qualifications needed for a librarian to become a library director. Four requirements that candidates should meet are suggested: (1) a work record involving both public and technical library services; (2) a second Master's degree or doctoral degree; (3) evidence of initiative as revealed through committee membership in professional associations, publication of scholarly articles, presentations at conferences, creation or significant expansion of library services, receipt of grant awards, and other similar achievements; and (4) a stable, well-grounded work ethic. In addition, it is recommended that candidates be geographically mobile. (MAS)

This paper describes how an elementary school included parents in participative decision making to develop successful student-affairs programming. Including parents in the development of school activities mollifies complainers, creates opportunities for parent input, and facilitates innovation. Student-affairs programming offers an excellent beginning point for the implementation of shared decision making. Many parents may be uncomfortable making decisions about curriculum and instruction, but feel competent offering ideas and practical advice about student extracurricular activities. Such participation may serve as a springboard for greater participation in other areas. (LMI)

Designed to answer basic questions educators have about microcomputer hardware and software and their applications in teaching, this paper describes the revolution in computer technology that has resulted from the development of the microchip processor and provides information on the major computer components; i.e.; input, central processing unit, memory, auxiliary storage, and output. The cost and timesaving advantages of a microcomputer purchase are discussed, as well as the instructional advantages, and the various types of teaching strategies used with a computer are explained. The paper also includes a discussion of hardware selection criteria, software selection sources, and organizations which can provide the novice computer user with helpful information. (LLS)

After a brief discussion of group games as resources for international understanding, this paper provides guidelines for discussing cultural games with children. Twelve games for students between 7 and 12 years of age are described. Games were selected for inclusion because they were: (1) generally cooperative in nature; (2) authentic and representative of a variety of cultures; (3) developmentally appropriate; (4) minimal in requirements for equipment and preparation; (5) rich in opportunities to compare cultural values; and (6) safe and enjoyable to play. Aboriginal, New Guinean, African, Guatamalan, Caribou Eskimoan, Congolese, Chinese, Icelandic, Mongolian, Jewish, Inuit Eskimoan, and international games are represented: Kotaut Mina Mieta, Evanena (Looking down the Pole), Boa Constrictor, Pin, Together-Air Ball (Collective Score Volleyball), Antelope in the Net, Helping Harvest the Land, In-and-Out-the-Windows, Yurt Circle, Spin the Dreidel, and Hopscotch. Citations are provided for 10 children's game books. (RH)

A person with a learning disability usually has average or above average intelligence, but has difficulty taking in, remembering, or expressing information. Learning disabilities can involve visual processing speed, short-term memory processing, fluid reasoning, and long-term memory retrieval. These disorders are intrinsic to the individual and occur across the life span. Improved special education in elementary and secondary schools has led to a substantial increase in the enrollment of learning disabled students in universities and community colleges. In a 1991 report, as many as 9% of first-time, full-time college freshmen reported having at least one learning disability, representing a 300% increase since 1978. Addressing the needs of this growing, non-traditional population requires teachers to reconsider traditional instructional formats. In mathematics instruction, research indicates that the lecture method is not particularly effective. Additionally, research has shown that computer assisted instruction (CAI) increases the levels of mathematics learning for low-achieving student, and shows some promise in meeting the needs of students with mild learning problems. In addition to CAI, cooperative learning approaches, in which students teach one another, may help to dislodge the traditional lecture method and help make remedial courses more effective. Tutors should be adept at integrating computers into the tutoring experience, and should be trained to deal effectively with special populations, such as the learning disabled. Contains 15 references and sample computer-oriented math problems are included. (PAA)

Suggestions are presented for being successful in publishing research results and for disseminating results once they are published. Writing style is the single most important ingredient for success in publishing, and revision is the usual prerequisite for style. Selecting target journals before writing can maximize the manuscript's chances of success. Writing query letters before submitting a manuscript is not very useful, unless the author is aiming for a theme issue that may be filled. Reading author guidelines is a more useful approach. Attending to details such as checking citations is an important step. In general, an author can believe an editor's comments and suggestions, except in the area of lag time or manuscript review. The author should not overpersonalize editorial contacts, and should focus on the revision requests of the editor. In submitting a revision, it is usually helpful to enumerate the corrections made. Changes should be made before galley proofs arrive. Once a work is in print, the author should promote it, sending out reprint copies, for example. (SLD)