This important and much-needed book is based on a longitudinal study of fifty new teachers during their first years in the classroom. It highlights the cases of ten, whose stories vividly illustrate the joys and disappointments of new teachers in today's schools. The book documents why they entered teaching, what they encountered in their schools,…

All organizations can increase efficiency and quality, but academic institutions are unlikely to improve academic productivity by formulas, brute force, or threats of external intervention. Studies of two institutions suggest that several factors can make improved productivity possible. Ten ways to accomplish this are suggested. (Author/MSE)

Differences between arguing "ad hominem" and "ad rem" are explored in two case studies of fifth-grade gifted boys, demonstrating the need for gifted children to be helped to approach problems by considering issues rather than personalities. (Author/DB)

Twelve cases in which physicians and medical journal editors have overstepped the bounds of their professions and abused professional privileges are presented. Many, when challenged, contended they did not see the problems inherent in the situations, suggesting the professions are not adequately defining and teaching professional ethical…

Four cases of Native American children are used to illustrate the importance of considering emotional needs. Only when these needs are satisfied can the children achieve academically. A plea is made to practitioners to return to the inner dimensions of thinking and feeling. (CB)

Quality and feasibility factors affect decision making in choice of assessment methods. Quality factors include the psychometric concepts of reliability, validity, and fairness. Feasibility factors include cost, time, complexity, and acceptability. Tradeoffs are illustrated in two case studies that examine single versus multiple purposes, high…

This article addresses the unique assessment needs of young blind children and discourages dependence on standardized tests for this population. Principles of one assessment approach (involving observation; clinical examination of mobility, language, play, socioemotional development, and academic skills; and interviews with mother and social…

One elementary and two secondary teachers from the Roeper School (Michigan) for gifted students present instructional dilemmas that exemplify the complex nature of teaching. Each case is followed by expert commentaries from within and outside the field of gifted education. Cases address learning from a master teacher, the student with a poor…

Solution-focused therapy is based on the premise that client goals and solutions are more important than problems the client depicts in sessions. The miracle question technique is used in the first session to help the client construct and consider a future without the problem: "Suppose that one night, while you were asleep, there was a…

This description of the use of IBM Series/1 minicomputers to implement a library automation system includes discussion of current functions of the system, the system configuration, communications capabilities, software, and cost factors. (CLB)

A new approach to behavioral control with individuals having both visual impairments and multiple disabilities stresses the use of positive intervention strategies, bases treatment on functional assessments of challenging responses, and emphasizes broad changes in the lifestyles of individuals. Case examples illustrate applications. (Author/DB)

An interview with Stephen C. Hall and Constance F. Towler of the Harvard University Office for Information Technology (Massachusetts) addresses issues in implementing management techniques to improve and maintain program quality. Topics include motivation, executive-level knowledge and support, specific changes made, and response and assistance…

Presents framework for thinking about interactions between client and therapist systems in relation to participants' personal explanatory systems and models of reality. Examines therapist contributions to forming structures, elements of covert interview of therapist performed by client system, model for therapist training, and case presentation…

Describes characteristics of structured text design; benefits of its use in training; benefits for developers of training materials and steps in preparing training materials. A case study illustrating how the structured text design process solved the sales training needs of the Mercedes-Benz Truck Company is presented. (MBR)

School buildings must be periodically evaluated for the purpose of determining adequacy in meeting instructional program needs. Criteria and purposes of school building evaluation are explained. (MLF)