The "Practitioner Data Use in Schools: Workshop Toolkit" is designed to help practitioners systematically and accurately use data to inform their teaching practice. The toolkit includes an agenda, slide deck, participant workbook, and facilitator's guide and covers the following topics: developing data literacy, engaging in a cycle of…

New Teacher Evaluation and Support Systems were fully implemented in every public school during the 2012-13 school year. Rhode Island educators have had a significant voice in revising the Student Learning Objective (SLO) process for the 2013-14 school year. Through surveys, focus groups, working groups, principal shadows, regional meetings, and…

Describes a legislative simulation intended for use in a college-level political science course. A major objective of the simulation is to help students understand decision-making processes involved in politics. Source materials and role characteristics are discussed. (DB)

To be successful, the law-related curriculum must help students develop decision making skills, develop empathy, and make ethical judgments. Teaching strategies that can be used in kindergarten and the elementary grades are suggested. (RM)

Asserts that a goal of social studies instruction is to help students make decisions about complicated social issues and that this goal is best accomplished through development of postformal cognitive processes. Defines postformal thought and examines two types: relativistic and dialectical. Shows how postformal thought can be promoted through two…

Suggests that social studies classroom teachers should use the process of rational decision making to teach students how to think at higher intellectual levels, become more creative, clarify values, and increase moral development. Learning activities are described. (DB)

Contends that pluralistic democracy relies on conflict of ideas and participative decision making. Reports on case studies of two different approaches to teaching world studies. Finds that both approaches encouraged students to participate actively, but others remained silent during the discussion. (CFR)

Teachers, principals, and superintendents need to determine: who should be involved in choosing what learners are to learn; who should select learning activities for pupils as well as the sequence of these experiences; and who should be involved in appraising learner achievement in different curriculum areas. (JC)

Discussed are possible ways in which new technology will affect society, particularly its impact on the distribution of power and economic wealth. Also considered are the impact of technological change on educational goals, education about technology, and use of technology in education. Implications for the future are addressed. (JN)

Describes a new approach for increasing teaching effectiveness in the area of social studies by helping teachers recognize and nurture multiple talents in all children (Talents Unlimited). Objectives of the approach are to develop students' productive thinking, communication, forecasting, decision making, and planning skills. (DB)

The Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990 (KERA) requires the implementation of school-based decision making in all Kentucky schools by July 1996. The school-based decision making process offers the opportunity for parents, teachers, and principals to use their knowledge and judgment in deciding how to best help children learn in their schools. A…

The author suggests a simple three-stage model as a guideline for systematic curriculum evaluation: evaluation of goals; collection, organization, and analysis of data; and decision making. (Author)

Explores the need for a philosophical foundation for environmental education. Considers two overriding ingredients: the need to avoid indoctrination and to concentrate on development of attitudes and acquisition of knowledge; and the need to offer positive, optimistic, and realistic views on environmental topics. (Author/BC)

The Preferred Future Worksheet is a planning tool that can assist school members or teams who are dealing with a school problem or issue. The worksheet has been designed to assist in analyzing the current situation, identifying a preferred future, and then creating a plan of action. Introductory material urges heterogeneous group membership and…

Presents 10 comprehensive objectives related to instituting shared decision-making and individualized education in secondary schools. Illustrates applications of each objective with features from schools. (Author/JM)