The author introduces a series of articles on the use of microcomputers in education, particularly with the disabled. (For related articles, see EC 142 960-962.) (Author)

The development of computer technology is considered, the concept of computer literacy is defined, and the role of teachers in educational microcomputer programs is discussed. The field of commercially produced software for microcomputers is reviewed. (For related articles, see EC 142 959-962.) (Author)

This information brief discusses the impact of commercialism in schools. It asks the question of whether such advertising is supporting students or is simply selling access. It describes how children are a desirable market since they have most of their purchases ahead of them; they can also frequently convince parents to buy items. The brief…

In attempting to document similarities between effective school practices and the provisions of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142), this report reviews the literature on school effectiveness and relates specific recommendations for classroom and schoolwide practices to those services now mandated for special education…

This report focuses on supporting professional development and presents research and its implications for mathematics and science reform to policymakers, educators, and researchers seeking to improve student learning and achievement. Topics include actions for administrators, new directions in instruction and professional development, the value of…

The supervisory conference presents an opportunity to stimulate growth and to improve performance despite the threat, in some cases, to self-esteem and job security. This document identifies the conflicting but challenging purposes of supervisory conferences and presents suggestions for setting up the supervisory conference through a…

This special journal issue recounts the first 74 years of the Illinois Association of Teachers of English (IATE). Sections discuss the following topics: (1) IATE's founders; (2) its association with the National Council of Teachers of English; (3) changes in the educational system over the 74-year period; (4) trends in English education during…

Most principals are aware that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 makes it mandatory for school leaders who depend on federal funding to select and implement programs that are based on scientific research. This publication reviews five documents that offer insights into what is meant by scientifically based research and help school leaders…

Now that educational reform has targeted principal performance as a key to school excellence, methods and procedures for evaluating these administrators have become an increasing concern. Current studies suggest that evaluation practices used in many districts are ill-suited to improving principals' performance and professional competence. Many…

A continuing dichotomy in public opinion concerning the use of corporal punishment in Canadian schools provided the impetus for this paper, which includes a review of the relevant literature. Morality issues surrounding corporal punishment are discussed and public opinion data are exerpted from the Provincial Review of School Disciplinary Policy…

The purpose of the study summarized here was to determine which administrator competencies were ranked as most important to job performance by administrators at various levels of administrative activity. The instrument used was the Performance Evaluation of the Educational Leader (PEEL) list of competencies. Questionnaires were sent to four…

This "Research Roundup" focuses on how schools can benefit when educational leaders use data to challenge their intuition and assumptions in their decision-making. In "Building an Automated Student Record System: A Step-by-Step Guide for Local and State Education Agencies," Barbara S. Clements provides administrators with a quick but comprehensive…

This bulletin focuses on the role that community plays in creating a positive school environment. Drawing from research and practice, it offers insights and suggestions for helping children form social bonds, instilling in them core values, and serving as a safe haven for those students whose home lives lack a sense of safety. The bulletin begins…

This project involves assessing the knowledge base in the education and rearing of gifted children, by developing a literature review summarizing recommended practices. A rationale for the project is presented, discussing the idea of recommended practices, the state of the knowledge base, methods for providing guidance to researchers, and the…

After briefly introducing the effective schools movement, chapter 1 of this monograph describes Ron Edmonds' criterion for effective schools (poor and minority children should score well on standard achievement tests in proportions equal to those attained by children in the dominant culture) and his five basic characteristics (a strong,…