This guidance report focuses on improving the quality of teaching of mathematics to pupils in Key Stages 2 and 3. The decision to focus on these Key Stages was made after an initial consultation period with teachers, academics, and other stakeholders. Schools are seeking advice on adjusting to a new curriculum, and there is also concern about…

Many states have adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which emphasize "deeper learning" skills, such as mastery of core academic content, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. But can the new tests being developed to align with the CCSS be used to promote deeper learning and high-quality classroom instruction?…

The Hewlett Foundation commissioned RAND to review research about the effects of assessment and to summarize what is known about assessment as a lever for reform. To explore the likely influence of new assessments on teaching practice and the conditions that moderate that relationship, researchers conducted a series of literature reviews. The…

The small school system of Genoa City, Wisconsin, developed a comprehensive curriculum to guide daily classroom instruction. Steps included selecting a textbook series before beginning the curriculum revision process and individualizing the guide by highlighting each teacher's areas of accountability. (MLF)

Reviews the problems and challenges created by the demise of the American Theatre Association (ATA). Emphasizes that theater education is not adequately represented in the nation's schools. Defines theater education issues as theater education curriculum, assessment instruments, theater teacher training, and subject matter endorsement. (GG)

For the mathematics experience to be liberating, the curriculum must share how and why mathematical knowledge is developed, with special emphasis on its grounding in belief, intuition and subjectivity, and facilitate our understanding of the world in which we live and create and the beliefs we act upon. (Author)

Examines traditional theoretical assumptions about the pedagogy of writing and critical thinking, and shows that they are linked dialectically. Illustrates how a pedagogy of writing can be used as a learning vehicle to help students learn and think critically about any given social studies subject. (Author/MLF)

This book is a survival guide as well as a valuable tool for making our schools more effective and appropriate places for students to learn and achieve. Exploring the often complex, multifaceted, and co-occurring problems in the education system, the book addresses specific problems, discusses the real reasons they developed and persist, describes…

This booklet on spelling instruction, developed in response to requests to incoporated spelling into an integrated language arts program, contains information related to the current thinking on effective and appropriate spelling instruction. Following an overview, the booklet discusses the developmental stages of the learner, effective spelling…

Traces the history of how Mid-Kent College of Higher and Further Education (England) reacted to the Manpower Services Commission "TRIST" (Technical and Vocational Education Initiative-related Inservice Training) arrangements letter. The college provided a program designed and negotiated with the local education authority before it…

The Principal Teacher Interaction Study analyzes what principals do to bring about curriculum implementation and school improvement. For one year, this study documented principals' interventions to assist new curriculum program implementation at nine elementary schools. Data on responder, manager, and initiator leadership styles show critical…

Argues that measurement-driven instruction is the most cost-effective way to improve the quality of public education when high stakes tests are properly conceived and implemented. Discusses five criteria, analyzes critics' objections, and cites evidence of student improvement in seven states. Includes one table and three references. (MLH)

Many local social studies specialists, reacting to local needs and interests, have tapped abilities that are unique to their locality and have developed model programs. Benefits to teachers and some constraints of local curriculum development are discussed. (RM)

The Ainsworth-Lund transformation process model offers a framework for observing and assessing growth/development by identifying needs and matching them to available resources. The model's four phases are described and an annotated bibliography is provided which documents the engineering education experiences corresponding to each phase. (JN)

Current restructuring of education calls for more teacher involvement in the planning and delivery of instruction. This yearbook gives examples of teacher involvement as it updates the supervision process. Four sections include 13 essays by various authors. The first section is entitled "The Context" and includes four essays: (1)…