The document provides answers to some of the frequently asked questions about the Common Core State Standards, from how they were developed to what they mean for states and local communities. The questions are organized into the following categories: (1) Overview; (2) Process; (3) Implementation and Future Work; and (4) Content and Quality of the…

This article explores and discusses key conditions needed to develop skills for innovation. This article analyses five trends that can contribute to fostering the development of skills for innovation within and outside formal educational institutions. These key trends, identified through a literature review, are elements that foster learning and…

TIMSS measures trends in mathematics and science achievement at the fourth and eighth grades in participating countries around the world, while also monitoring curricular implementation and identifying promising instructional practices. Conducted on a regular 4-year cycle, TIMSS has assessed mathematics and science in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, and…

This newsletter reports on the status of biology education in the United States. It states that biology has entered its "golden age" because of the emergence of biotechnology, ecology, agricultural productivity, and human biology as major societal issues. This report discusses the status of the informal national curriculum of biology, involving…

Noting that most graduate study in communication consists of specialization within the broader field, this paper argues that graduate level communication programs are not only justifiable but also are mandatory if students of communication are to advance much beyond the practitioner stage. The first section of the paper, "Graduate Communication…

Analyzes the status of graduate music programs in the United States from 1994-95 by surveying 120 colleges and universities, both public and private, representing all 50 states. Compares the findings to an earlier study conducted in 1984-85 in order to determine various changes that have occurred. Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)

In recent years, significant economic, social, and demographic changes have occurred in the United Kingdom. These changes have set the stage for a number of changes in the country's adult and vocational-technical education systems as well. There have been several notable developments with regard to the statutory education system (which provides…

Provides an overview of the program on 'Environment and School Initiatives' (ENSI). Argues that ENSI's agenda radically differs from a school improvement agenda based on economic assumptions. Examines 'sustainable development' in the light of these two agendas. Identifies trends with different conceptions of environmental education for sustainable…

Noting that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what back to basics advocates really mean by "basics," this paper suggests three interpretations: one dealing with skills, one with subject matter, and one with values. The first section of the paper places each of these interpretations in historical perspective, demonstrates how each…

Provided are edited background papers prepared for a Meeting of Experts on the Incorporation of Science and Technology in the Primary School Curriculum. Papers are organized into four major sections. Section 1 is concerned with such topics as the rationale and objectives of science and technology in primary schools, selection of appropriate…

Articles in these proceedings of a conference of the Council for Programs in Technical and Scientific Communication represent the views of professional communicators and academicians who share a concern for providing breadth and quality of preparation of present and future technical communicators. The 11 articles discuss the following topics: (1)…

These conference proceedings on policies and practices for environmental futures are organized in four main sections: plenary sessions; interest-group sessions; resolutions; and recommendations. Among the topic areas addressed during plenary sessions are environmental education (EE) for the 1980s, a television correspondent's perspective of the…

Increasingly, schools are beginning employee wellness programs, which encourage employees to make personal commitments to life-style changes that will increase their productivity and generally improve their health. This article provides an introduction to wellness programs, lists advantages, and tells how to start one and make it work. (DCS)

This collection, which is a product of a 23-day study tour of China, focuses on educational research and changing educational objectives and practices against the background of the changes that have occurred in the country since the Cultural Revolution of 1976. Sheldon Weeks' introduction to the collection explains how the study tour came about,…

A review is given of the status of family planning education at medical, nursing, and midwifery schools in seven European countries. The report is presented in 11 sections. Section one, an introduction, explains the scope of the study and defines family planning to include birth control, pregnancy and delivery, problems of adolescents, family life…