Prepared as part of a series applying recent research in oral and written communication instruction to classroom practice, this booklet reviews research and presents suggestions designed to improve the classroom communication climate. The first section of the booklet describes the process of building a supportive environment to reflect a range of…

This guide presents an advisory program for middle schools. The program is designed for groups of 10 to 15 students meeting twice a week; the advisors should be adults from within the school (teachers, guidance counselors, administrators, etc.). The program has four goals: (1) to promote students' sense of belonging within the school; (2) to…

Asking college students how much they have learned or grown is a common assessment practice in student affairs and elsewhere. Unfortunately, recent research suggests that these self-reported gains do a very poor job of measuring actual student learning and growth. This paper provides an overview of the psychological process of how students likely…

This qualitative study examined factors that have contributed to the educational success of nine college students with learning disabilities and explored how these students manage their disabilities in the educational arena. Data came from student academic records, interviews, and classroom observations over a 6-month period. Factors studied…

Considers the effects that disclosure of elementary student records and grades can have on a child's self-esteem, peer relationships, and future school experiences. Examines an elementary school case in which student grades were announced in the classroom. Argues that teachers have a moral and professional responsibility to honor students' rights…

The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS or "Council") supports the concept that periodic evaluation entered into voluntarily by institutions and their peers enhances the quality of the educational process and demonstrates that self-regulation of a profession is superior to outside regulation. To help institutions and…

Background and legal requirements for disclosure and counseling of students receiving loans under the federal student loan programs are discussed. A definition of loan counseling, a decision-making model for creating an institutional program, and information on loan consolidation are provided. Following introductory and background sections, the…

A handbook on accreditation is presented by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. After providing an overview on accreditation, explanations are provided on General Institutional Requirements concerning the institutional program and college organization, operation, and public…

This handbook contains accreditation information from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, including general institutional requirements, criteria for accreditation, and policies on educational change. Chapters include: (1) "Introduction to Voluntary Accreditation and the…

An overview is presented of the accreditation process of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, along with a brief history of how that process has evolved. The handbook is divided into the following chapters: (1) introduction (meaning and purposes of accreditation, the evaluation of the Commission's evaluative principles, and the…

This handbook forms the guideline for Ontario facilities of education as they prepare for accreditation reviews in the spring of 2000. The handbook also helps members of the accreditation panels with their work at individual pilot sites. The 8 parts are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Standards of Practice for the Teaching Profession and…

This volume offers a comprehensive look at independent college and university leadership, particularly trusteeship, in 20 papers by various authors. Part 1 contains papers on the context in which trustees must function: a blend of financial, demographic, social, legal, and planning issues. Part 2 covers key responsibilities of governing boards.…

Colleges and universities face heightened responsibilities. They possess a large volume and variety of sensitive information on a wide range of individuals, and demands for this information are growing. The students that are educated, housed, and/or employed by colleges and universities tend to be in a vulnerable age cohort: eighteen- to…

Several years ago, the Legislature adopted significant amendments to the basic conflict of interest statute for local elected officials, primarily in the area of financial thresholds, but also in the area of scope of enforcement. This is an important area of the law for board members and superintendents, so a current and thorough knowledge of the…

Since the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 116, Accounting for Contributions Received and Contributions Made, in June 1993, guidance has been sought in understanding its impact and implementation. Specific key provisions deal with contributions received and contributions made,…