What Makes Schools Effective? A Comparison between School Communities in Australia and the USA∗

This paper reports on findings related to the perceptions held by members of school communities with respect to the factors which most help schools to be effective. The data are from a study conducted in Melbourne, Australia and in seven states of the United States of America. Findings from this research indicate that members of school communities: principals, teachers, parents and students believe that the most critical elements that contribute to the development of an effective school are dedicated and qualified staff, clear school purposes, strong academic and administrative leadership, a safe school environment and a positive school climate.

     

Smart Kids With Learning Disabilities: Overcoming Obstacles and Realizing Potential Weinfield,R., Barnes-Robinson,L., Jeweler,S., & Roffman Shevitz,B. (2013)

Basal reading manuals have been found to be utilized with gifted readers (Cagney &; Sakiey, 1984). Therefore, this study attempted to determine if the eight components delineated to be more important to gifted than nongifted readers by reading and gifted educators in the Dole and Adams (1983) study were included in basal materials. Three basal series were examined and it was found that seven of the eight components were included, mainly in the enrichment section of the manual. Therefore, basal manuals can meet the needs of gifted readers if utilized appropriately.     

Assessment of indoor air quality and the risk of damage to cultural heritage objects using MEMORI® dosimetry

Air pollution is one of the environmental influences that degrade cultural heritage objects situated indoors. Other essential influences, such as temperature, relative humidity, and light are often well monitored. The presence of air pollutants is less often measured or included in risk assessment. The MEMORI^® technology presented in this paper was developed as a tool for easy measurement and assessment of the general risk of degradation of heritage objects situated indoors due to indoor exposure to air pollutants. MEMORI dosimetry was performed in locations belonging to English Heritage and Tate (both located in London) and the National Archives of Norway in Oslo, to assess air quality. The related damage risk for collection objects and the protection offered by display and storage designs was assessed. A high level of acidic effect was observed inside a number of showcases, and a high level of oxidizing effect was observed in some room locations. Relatively simple mitigation measures, such as constructing tightly sealed showcases using low emitting materials, installing active carbon absorbing media inside a ‘microclimate’ frame, and using cardboard storage boxes for paper, significantly improved air quality. Overall, implementation of such measures is likely to improve the preservation of objects and reduce conservation costs.     

演讲的艺术

学会在适当的时机引用名言适当地引用一两句精辟的名言可以帮助拓展思维并且激起听众们的热情。然而,在叙述过程中插入太多的语录则会显得演说者缺乏新意,让人昏昏欲睡。避免引用太多的语录,努力树立起你自己的权威。     

Opening Pandora's Stream: Piping Music into the Information Literacy Classroom

Although it is well known that music can affect cognitive processes, little research has been conducted examining the influence of background music on students in information literacy classrooms. In 2010, librarians at Western Michigan University investigated the effect of background music on student engagement and retention of information literacy concepts. This article examines the theory and practical applications of background music to improve a classroom atmosphere and its impact on students' learning. Results from this qualitative and quantitative study indicate positive correlations between background music and student comfort, confidence, and retention.