Extended time is among the most common testing accommodations given to students with a wide range of disabilities. However, although school psychologists are often involved in accommodation decisions, many are unaware of research from the past decade that has changed their understanding of extended time. Used properly, testing accommodations let…

This paper presents one researcher's premise that the most important variable in determining classroom effectiveness is the congruence of the delivered curriculum with the desired outcomes or, that students be given the opportunity to learn what is expected of them. This theory presupposes that curriculum expectations be made clear to students,…

In early 1984, Connecticut's state board of education adopted an agenda of seven major initiatives for improving the quality of education in the state. Each initiative was further broken down into one or more specific issues. This document examines the background of each issue, presents recommendations for addressing the issue, discusses…

Classroom observation and interviews in 55 schools with high concentrations of economically disadvantaged students indicated that more time on instruction, greater correspondence between tests and curriculum material covered in class, and increased on-task behavior (activities related to acquisition of subject matter information) raised student…

Suggestions for organizing the objective structured clinical examination for medical students and physicians address selection of competencies to be evaluated, number, type, and duration of examination stations, use of examiners, clarity of instructions, test administration, resource requirements, interstation signals, and recordkeeping. (MSE)

This book offers suggestions and ideas in definite and practical terms for teaching, evaluating teaching, and improving the school. Problems and possible solutions are discussed in the areas of: (1) classroom order and discipline; (2) teaching the basics; (3) dealing with written work; (4) planning for the class, the unit, and the year; (5) study…

The modern language curriculum guide for grades K-6 is designed to correlate with Checkpoint A of the New York State Syllabus. It presents major topics, listing instructional objectives, functions, skill areas, suggested instructional materials, suggested activities, cultural content, and games, songs, and puzzles. Introductory sections outline…

An overview is provided of curriculum management and "mapping," an auditing technique for assessing the content, time, and sequence of the taught curriculum as reported by the teacher. The general notion of management is first discussed in terms of three basic kinds of activities: defining purpose and mission, configuring available…

With the many layoffs and downsizing of companies during the 1990s, many displaced workers have turned to temporary employment to earn a living while looking for permanent employment. Others have adopted "temping" as a more long-term work style. Although it may not be possible to predict whether an individual will find satisfaction or…

The literature on effective instruction for difficult-to-teach students is reviewed. Preinstructional variables include classroom management planning and planning for instructional tasks (student assessments, communication of learning goals, pacing decisions, and time allocations). Instructional delivery variables include engagement time, success…

Reports an experiment in collaborative essay testing in a college course, finding some improvement in achievement, significant reduction in test anxiety, and student engagement in reflective thinking similar to metacognition. In addition, partners generally participated equally in test preparation and content. Suggestions are made for implementing…

These self-paced inservice modules are designed to help part-time vocational instructors learn how to teach. Addressed in the individual modules are the following topics: teaching methods (an overview of teaching, the lecture and discussion method, and the demonstration method); course construction (an overview of course construction and…

The guide is designed to address concerns of North Carolina second/foreign language teachers and school administrators as they plan and implement block class scheduling. The first section outlines the rationale and special considerations for block scheduling, and offers some typical schedule options. North Carolina's instructional time…

Ideas and guidelines for the organization of effective homework assignments, based on the principle that homework should offer opportunities for learning outside the classroom, are offered. The examples given are for English second language instruction as practiced in public secondary schools in Cyprus, but the principles outlined could be applied…