Each of the five articles in this special issue gets "into the weeds" in terms of studying actual classroom or school implementation of evidence-based or promising practices. Virtually all confront the issue of logistics and establishing an infrastructure for ensuring adequate implementation. In general, those studies that ask teachers…

In recent years, information and communication technology (ICT) has become embedded and affected the every aspect of our lives. Rapid development of ICT has changed our language teaching pedagogy at all levels. Teachers, curriculum developers, researchers have been constantly striving to find techniques to use some form of it to both assist and…

Describes ways teachers can enhance students' vocabulary development through multiple contexts available in typical middle school classroom settings. Addresses questions about vocabulary learning and offers suggestions for enhancing vocabulary with narrative and expository texts that involve multiple classroom contexts. Considers the Vocab-o-gram…

This article discusses ways to implement an effective first- or second-language reading program that provides children with access to reading materials that are relevant to their needs and interests, encourages them to participate in carefully structured activities, and gives them incentives that promote reading. (Author/VWL)

Two problems must be solved before an integrated curriculum, incorporating learning with, from, and about computers can be implemented. The first is the necessity for a design of how the program will function when it has been fully implemented, with all equipment and other associated materials and procedures. The second is a strategy for…

This paper contains a concise summary of the theory and practice of competency-based education, especially as it applies to adult education. The paper first defines competency-based education (CBE) and details the assumptions on which CBE is based. It then lists the critical components for effective CBE and cites the advantages of using a…

The major challenges for educational reform today are assembling disparate pieces of information to create sustainable systemic change and "scaling up" systemic reform to encompass all schools, all programmatic areas, all levels of schooling and diverse social contexts. Mid-continent Regional Education Laboratory (McREL) has begun to organize its…

This paper discusses strategic planning for quality in higher education and provides specific examples of institutions working to adopt strategic quality planning. In particular the paper looks at institutions adopting the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) principles. A section on early lessons notes common obstacles to CQI implementation in…

The recent evolution of second language teaching theory regarding language, learning, communication, and teaching is summarized, and factors contributing to resistance to core second language programs are examined. They include tradition, school programs, time of instruction, language of instruction, teacher training, attitudes, and…

Studies suggest that the traditional technique of one-way lectures used most often by teachers results in about 42% retention after class, and 17% a week later. To improve both student learning and institutional effectiveness, colleges should support faculty development programs that expose teachers to two-way teaching and learning processes.…

Explores the use of local area networks (LAN's) in learning laboratories and how they are improving learning outcomes for certain student populations (e.g., deaf and developmental students). Describes how LAN's alter the instructor's role and how instructors can manage student-driven classrooms. Offers guidance on implementing a network system.…

This paper outlines a method of transforming traditional learning methods into a competency-based approach in a series of steps. The paper is organized in three sections. The first section defines competency-based education (CBE) and explains how this approach differs from traditional education. It also advances reasons why the competency-based…

This theme issue on classroom management in business education includes 17 chapters on such topics as combating teacher burnout, curriculum improvement, declining enrollments in business education, human relations in the classroom, team cohesiveness and the business department, communicating the essentials for the first week of class, and…

The Further Education Unit (FEU) believes that young school leavers should be able to check their achievements against a core of entitlement. Therefore, the FEU is proposing a core curriculum to support the successful transition of the school leaver aged 16 or older to adult life. The core, which is intended to serve as a diagnostic and planning…

This monograph contains seven papers from a workshop for pre- and in-service administrators and teachers serving special needs students. In "Identification Factors and Criteria for Determining Disadvantaged: Definition of Terms" Edgar I. Farmer, Sr., sets workshop parameters and defines terms. Royce Bland, in "Suggested Techniques…