Rural schools in high-poverty areas are often understaffed. This descriptive phenomenological study examined fourth-grade state research projects in high-poverty rural Iowa schools to reveal the influence of school librarians' staffing levels on student learning of research skills. To determine evidence of students' critical literacy, ethical use…

While family and consumer sciences (FCS) programs in secondary schools may be in jeopardy and, simultaneously, with the public outcry to improve essential skills for independent living, this study reaffirms the critical role school counselors play in assisting students in their high school course selections and, ultimately, their career choices.…

Quality labor market data and analysis is critical to developing effective market-driven workforce and economic strategies in states, regions, and localities. Such information can be complex, intimidating, and overwhelming to many users, however. This issue brief offers a framework for understanding workforce information, including a summary of…

Methodology: There is no national source of data or information on the federal role in funding and oversight for public PK-12 school facilities. To address this shortcoming, 21st Century School Fund has prepared this study with the support of the National Clearinghouse for Educational Facilities. In collecting data and information for this report,…

Reports on a comparison of processes used by adult educators to decide where to get information in two statewide programs in Iowa. (JOW)

Iowa nurses in long-term and home-health-care settings (n=53) were interested in continuing-education programs and teleconferences on the following Alzheimer's disease topics: challenging behaviors, family needs, case management, long-term care services, and new developments. Teleconferences were a viable strategy for isolated rural nurses. (SK)

An Iowa extension survey of 869 farming clients who received one-on-one consultations showed that nearly half made operational changes and/or saved money using on consultants' recommendations. Only 2% were not satisfied with the information received. Although extension largely uses group methods, the substantial effectiveness of individual…

A study was conducted to find out how the topics of the Nineteenth Amendment and women's suffrage were handled at the time by news publications in rural areas. Several components were used to carry out the objective: one was to investigate newspaper coverage of the amendment and in addition broaden that search to include women's suffrage; another…

Iowans were asked where they would go if they needed certain kinds of information. Iowans also were asked whether they had recently found those same kinds of information in various media. The survey focused on these five kinds of information: family nutrition, personal and family relationships, home energy conservation, managing family and…

Surveys over 700 Iowa farmers regarding their use of teletext and videotex technologies. Finds that for younger, higher-income farmers, these technologies are emerging as a "best source" for relatively perishable or highly volatile information like market prices; otherwise, these technologies complement rather than replace existing…

Teachers of emotionally disabled students in three states were surveyed to determine the availability and usefulness of information at the time of placement and reintegration of students. Implications for the collection of assessment information by school psychologists and other multidisciplinary team members are discussed. (Author/PN)

A survey of teachers (n=547) of the learning disabled in Iowa found that teachers possess well-developed beliefs and perceptions about learning disabilities and are knowledgeable and well informed. The questionnaire covered four areas: nature and characteristics of learning disabilities, assessment and diagnosis, service delivery and intervention,…

Reports a recent survey of 380 students (Grades 4-l2) from four central Iowa schools on what adjectives they would use to describe the world and what sources teach them about it. The survey was conducted as part of an evaluation of classroom use of the Associated Press wire service. (Author/SJL)

A sample of 731 farmers was surveyed to identify perceptions regarding selected soil and water conservation practices. The sample was stratified and proportioned by conservation district to have a representative group of respondents across Iowa. Items on the mailed questionnaire were designed to assess perceptions regarding issues in soil and…