This report focuses on the group benefits available to Illinois public higher education employees. The study provides a perspective on the range of benefits and the differences in the administration of institutional benefits. Findings reveal the availability of retirement annuities that increase with each 10 years of service; optional retirement…

The 1980s saw a dramatic change in the use of leisure as millions of Americans turned to vacations that emphasized exploration, learning, and renewed awareness of the natural world. The first part of this three-part sourcebook lists approximately 270 institutions, organizations, and businesses offering programs in outdoor education, environmental…

Commercial recreation is the provision of facilities, equipment, and programs that satisfy public demand for activities during unobligated time and are profitable to the supplier. The term "commercial recreation" has been given a negative connotation in the field of recreation and leisure. This negative concept of commercial recreation…

To assess the effect of summer vacation on the overall reading ability of first through fifth graders, as measured by norm-referenced and criterion-referenced reading tests, a study was conducted involving 84 children. In the spring testing, the researcher administered the Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test, Form 1, and the Wisconsin Tests of Reading…

Elementary school students (N=75) with mild disabilities were monitored in reading and math before and after summer vacation and six weeks into the following school year using Curriculum-Based Measurement Probes. Results indicated significant regression following break. By recoupment measurement, students had regained proficiency and performed…

This report, which combined Part I and Part II of a benefit study, presents data from a survey of Ontario universities concerning fringe benefits offered in 1991-92. Part I is made up of a series of tables displaying the information on particular benefits institution-by-institution. The first five tables cover general aspects of benefits,…

The report compares benefits offered to employees of 17 universities in Ontario, Canada. The report, which is entirely in tabular form, presentation of universities' responses to general benefits questions, such as the administration of insurance plans, communication of benefits to employees, proposed changes in benefits, provision of accidental…

Designed to provide the Washington State Legislature with information for use in making future legislative determinations concerning selected community college issues, this report presents information on the state's community colleges including policies on annual leave, allocation of resources, and salary increments. Part I outlines the scope and…

A study compared the compensation packages offered to private sector and Federal white-collar employees. The conclusions drawn in the study were based on data from previous and ongoing research conducted by the General Accounting Office (GAO). Analysis of these data revealed that whereas the Employment Cost Index has shown a cumulative increase of…

A study investigated changes in children's physical fitness during summer vacation. Children's cardiorespiratory fitness decreased, as did their body weight, especially for boys. Fall curriculum offerings should be designed to accommodate detrained students. (PP)

Recommends using teacher vacations to help students learn about other countries and cultures. Asserts that visiting schools and classrooms can have useful professional development results. Includes a list of classroom activities that can be based on teacher vacations. (CFR)

This study describes the major forms of year-round education, evaluates their potential costs and educational benefits (including effects on student academic achievement, learning retention, socialization, and employability), and assesses such programs' feasibility as to legal requirements and effects on school personnel and the larger community.…

This issue of the newsletter offers suggestions to help parents improve the experience of living with a handicapped child during the out-of-school summer months. Maintaining a moderately structured schedule is recommended, with activities based on the child's individual interests and energy level. Participation in routine activities at home (e.g.,…

Results of the 1982 University Benefits Survey for Ontario higher education institutions are presented. For each college and university, information is provided on eligibility, deductible amounts, monthly contributions, and carriers. The following features are covered: administration and insurance plans, communication of benefits, proposed changes…

Sixty-six children in three classrooms were tested at the end of their kindergarten year and again at the beginning of their first grade year to determine the effects of summer vacations on the gain or loss of beginning reading skills. The Letter and Word Reading Test, which was based on a developmental model of prereading and beginning reading,…