Reading Recovery teachers can determine the child's literacy performance by using patterns of responding, that is, what the child mostly does in reading and writing. The child's performance informs the teaching, and close observation is the key to being able to "follow the child." Observation is central to the idea of following the…

The study evaluated the impact of two frequencies of collecting data on five severely mentally retarded adults' responsiveness to skill acquisition training programs. Daily versus weekly data collection did not have a differential impact on student progress. The study also examined amount of instructional time required and staff preferences.…

Curriculum-based assessment (CBA) represents a shift from use of standardized tests as quantifiers of student achievement toward traditional data-based instructional management. The role of assessment in educational programs is explored through presentation of three contrasting perspectives: assessment for placement versus assessment for…

A computer-assisted instruction program was used to teach spelling words to 5 learning-disabled or educable mentally handicapped students (ages 11-12) using a time delay procedure; manage content presentation based on individual student responding; and collect performance data. Four students learned the words, though maintenance varied.…

Finds that introductory psychology textbooks present limited and often confusing coverage of research methods. Presents two research models that delineate separate dimensions for data collection procedures, research designs, and research settings. Contends that these models provide better coverage of research strategies. Includes suggestions for…

A study investigating the discrepancy between potential and actual use of computer software in elementary education is described. Fifth- and sixth-grade students participating in a computer literacy program in one school were surveyed by questionnaire and interview about the feedback provided in a specific piece of cartooning and creative writing…

Maintains that introductory sociology courses rely on a preponderance of jargon that obfuscates the nature of the discipline. Advocates communicating the nature of sociology by emphasizing its three main approaches: structural, systematic, and critical. Suggests that religious affiliation and economic status influence ability to think…

A study was initiated in 1986 to collect systematic national data on the content and processes surrounding the delivery of vocational-technical education programs that could be used to help assess and describe the dynamics of high school vocational classrooms. The national database generated contained information from schools, classrooms, school…

This manual documents procedures for implementing and maintaining LONESTAR, a computerized student tracking and follow-up system for Texas public community colleges. The system is designed to provide reports on the instructional effectiveness of each institution and on the effectiveness of remediation as a primary access point to higher education;…

The 47 papers in these proceedings describe computer technology and its many applications to the educational process. Topics discussed include computer literacy, networking, word processing, automated instructional management, computer conferencing, career information services, computer-aided drawing/design, and robotics. Programming languages…