In most large-scale assessments of student achievement, several broad content domains are tested. Because more items are needed to cover the content domains than can be presented in the limited testing time to each individual student, multiple test forms or booklets are utilized to distribute the items to the students. The construction of an…

The Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) is a bold approach to improving student learning by encouraging teachers, parents, and the community to work collaboratively to introduce innovative projects that address local needs. Initiated in 1999 by the Alberta Government and its partners, AISI provides targeted funding to school…

States have made dramatic progress in the past few years in implementing longitudinal data systems (LDS) to improve student achievement. These systems collect and house student educational data that make it easy for policymakers and practitioners to access and use it for reporting, policymaking and decision making. So much has happened in states…

THE DEPTH OF PSYCHOSOCIAL CONSIDERATION VARIES WITH ARCHITECTURAL FUNCTION. THESE FACTORS INCREASE AS A BUILDING USAGE BECOMES MORE ANTHROPOPHILIC. SITUATIONS RELATING TO AMBIGUOUS DESIGN MUST BE ELIMINATED IN BUILDING DESIGN. PROBLEMS INVOLVING VISUAL PERCEPTION SUCH AS (1) GLASS DOORS, (2) APPARENT INSECURITY OF STRUCTURE, (3) AMBIGUOUS SYMBOLIC…

The paper presents information pertaining to both equipment and human factors associated with playground safety for the handicapped. Research is reviewed on injuries related to public playground equipment, the equipment/user interface, and accommodation of equipment for all children. Noted among findings are that 72% of all reported injuries were…

A DISCUSSION ON THE SELECTION OF CARPETING CONCLUDES INITIAL COST OF THE CARPET INSTALLATION STILL RANKS AMONG THE MOST EXPENSIVE. IN SELECTION, CARPETING MUST BE CONSIDERED IN TERMS OF COLOR, PATTERN, SIZE, WEARABILITY, CLEANIBILITY, AND FIRE HAZARD. WEARABILITY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED BY--(1) TYPE AND QUALITY OF FIBER GRADE USED, (2) CONSTRUCTION…

The broad use of maps by non-cartographers imposes on the cartographer the burden to make maps not only accurate, but to use symbols which make map-reading easier for the public. The latter requirement implies a need for universal symbols. Although there are no universal symbols today (letters, words, and figures, to a lesser extent, are dependent…

Presented is a manner of organizing and grouping performance information to support the design and development of physical movement aids for non-ambulatory persons which enable them to ambulate or at least change their position in a semiambulatory fashion. Hierarchical levels of psychobiologic deficiency and corresponding condition variables are…

New design concepts for creative play structures provide challenging experiences for children, yet are still safe enough to be acceptable. Many of these creative playgrounds are made possible by parent and community volunteers. (Author/MLF)

Imaginative designs contributed by the four finalists of the playground competition of the New York departments of City Planning and Recreation meet the needs of disabled children as well as the able-bodied. (Author/MLF)

HIT methodology for conceptual data structure design is briefly described and exemplified. Main features of the methodology are the natural formalism of the description of conceptual schema, and an easy-to-understand graphical way of communication between both the designer and individual experts substituting future users. (Author/MBR)

Seven design principles identified from research as crashworthy for transporting disabled persons in buses are listed, and survey results of transportation of 161 disabled children in Australia are discussed relative to the design principles. Findings are discussed and recommendations made to correct deviations, such as absence of lapbelts. (MC)

The purpose and theoretical design basis of PUSH (Play Units for the Severely Handicapped) are described. The typical unit with accompanying peripheral equipment and its uses is explained. The PUSH concept has evolved into an architectural design process to fit the needs of institutionalized individuals. (Author/CL)

Compares two design solutions by one architectural firm to two different community college design problems. Each college wanted expansible facilities and designs to fit the academic programs. However, Mercer County near Trenton, New Jersey, wanted separated faculty and students; while Bucks County near Newton, Pennsylvania, wanted students and…

Using current archeological jargon, contemporary school facilities are criticized. (LN)