Discusses the findings of a study that involves the testing of the pharmaceutical Ampakines on laboratory rats. Rats administered Ampakines learn remarkably quickly to navigate new mazes. The question now is does the drug make the rats alert or memory enhanced. Implications for treatment in humans is discussed. (ZWH)

The study was designed to provide policymakers, administrators, and practitioners with reliable prevalence estimates of mental retardation, learning disabilities, and other handicapping conditions exhibited by juvenile offenders in order to guide fiscal and programmatic decision making. The research included five steps: (1) a literature search…

This joint research and development project of two state departments of education used the DACUM (Developing a Curriculum) process to identify microcomputer competencies for vocational instructors. Brainstorming techniques were used to identify five categories of microcomputer applications and to determine which competencies belonged in each…

A 6-step process for translating educational research findings into practice is explained. A collaborative project was implemented by 10 experienced secondary teachers of youth with mild disabilities to help students develop self-management skills. Benefits to the students and teachers are documented. (DB)

This article applies results of a previous meta-analysis of effective instructional practices with adolescents who have learning disabilities focusing on the factor, "Organization/Explicit," which contributed significant variance to effect size. This factor included the important instructional components of advance organization and explicit…

Discusses the change of agricultural methods with human population growth. Describes the trends of world food production, changes in farmland, use of fertilizer, and 13 agricultural research institutions. Lists 5 references for further reading. (YP)

This guide is intended to give vocational educators a "jump start" on their understanding of and planning for the 1990 Perkins Act. Section 1 provides a synopsis of the entire act, with a general overview of each of the major titles. Section 2 provides an analysis of each element of significant change from the 1984 act to the new act.…

Presents a case study which describes the experiences of two classroom mathematics teachers and the impact that their own research has had on themselves as teachers; traces their entry into the world of research beyond the classroom. (19 references) (MKR)

Former President Jimmy Carter discusses the "Global 2000 Report" and the need for coordination, political leadership, unified action, research and development, and for education. A list of recommendations based on the issues and topics discussed is included. (JN)

This lesson explores the group of buildings in West Orange, New Jersey, built in 1887, that formed the core of Thomas Edison's research and development complex. They consisted of chemistry, physics, and metallurgy laboratories; machine shop; pattern shop; research library; and rooms for experiments. The lesson explains that the prototypes (ideas…

Presented are classroom activities in which students explore the potential use of magnetic levitation for transportation purposes. The advantages of using a MagLev transportation system instead of conventional trains are discussed. Directions for designing and building a MagLev track and circuit are provided. (KR)

Based on Larry Hutchins' analysis of the school effectiveness literature, the Profile of School Excellence (PRO-S/E) is a diagnostic tool keyed to 11 instructional and organizational variables which are positively related to effective/excellent schools and which are alterable. The variables are: needs basis; objectives; expectations; roles and…

Intended as a reference for vocational education personnel who serve special needs populations, this catalog identifies resource organizations that can provide information or technical assistance and recently developed materials for special needs groups and program areas. Section I includes organizations, arranged alphabetically and preceded by a…

A study examined state-administered vocational education program improvement projects funded in fiscal year (FY) 1985 under subpart 3, sections 131 (research), 132 (exemplary and innovative), and 133 (curriculum development) of the Education Amendments of 1976 (P.L. 94-482). It was determined that more funds are being obligated for supportive…

This publication is a review and synthesis of the last five years of the literature related to special populations designated in the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act. The document contains six chapters. "Black American Participation in Vocational Education" (Ernest Fields) traces the historical evolution of education for jobs as…