This paper examines the extent to which legitimacy affects program continuation, and focuses on the process by which programs attempt to maintain legitimate status through conformity with the larger environment. Legitimacy is defined as cultural support from a program's larger environment, such as the school district or community. An innovative…

It is argued that foreign language study has failed to secure a central place in the American curriculum partly because of a lack of articulation from elementary through university studies, possibly because of a lack of universally accepted methods for assessing language development. Department chairs are encouraged to recreate an articulated…

The six sections of this guide offer information to teachers about the Gesell Screening and Developmental Placement Program for children entering kindergarten at Lincoln School, Toppenish, Washington. After a brief description of the Gesell program, Section I outlines aspects of planning the screening program, specifically discussing the…

Argues that "redshirting" in kindergarten (or maintaining children in grade) can be a positive intervention if (1) the concept is used to enhance ability rather than underline failure and (2) the time periods children spend in the primary grades are made more flexible (to accommodate children's different rates of mastering skills). (KS)

Presents ideas from the book, "Developmental Continuity: From Preschool through Primary Grades." Developmental continuity is a way of providing instruction that permits children to progress according to their rate and style of learning. Curriculum approaches, classroom organization, and ways to begin are discussed. (LB)

The Children's Center, a combined public and private day care center in Connecticut, was the site of a practicum intervention which was rooted in the belief that day care centers have the responsibility to defend childhood, link preschools and public schools, and engage in political advocacy for children. Major goals of the intervention were to:…

As the first title in the new series, "New Directions in Communication Disorders Research: Integrative Approaches", this volume discusses a unique phenomenon in cognitive science, single-word reading, which is an essential element in successful reading competence. Single-word reading is an interdisciplinary area of research that incorporates…

Teacher education students' cognitive and psychosocial development renders current practice as it manifests itself in courses and teaching strategies useless and irrelevant. Cognitive and psychosocial development are the theoretical framework upon which innovation and intervention for teacher education may begin. The basic premise upon which this…

Critiques educational reform movement. Believes that unless the human dimension is improved, all reform proposals will fail. If American public education is to be saved, a better job of teaching the link between public education and a free society is needed. (MD)

Argues that genuine critical thinking requires the recognition of the evolutionary nature of knowledge. Discusses the Perry scheme of nine stages of cognitive development and the Nelson variant of Perry's stages. Discusses teaching methods that are based on this approach and provides suggestions for further research. (CFR)

Provides an abstract of the book, "Developmentally Appropriate Middle Schools," which examines young adolescents' physical, psychosocial, and cognitive characteristics, and suggests developmentally appropriate educational experiences. The book includes the idea that young adolescents' individual development should be the basis for curricular,…

Academic advisement models in higher education have traditionally focused on the needs of the undergraduate student population. The purpose of this paper is to provide a model for graduate student advisement clarifying the role of the graduate student advisor within a developmental context that meets the needs of adult students. The…

Intended for use in in-service instruction for preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade teachers, this publication addresses major issues related to student transition between grades. Contents reflect the practices, strategies, and ideas of discussants, who included principals, teachers and administrators who were members of a task force convened…

Describes the use of fictional literature in a college-level developmental psychology class. Focuses specifically on Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and its relation to several child development topics. Contends that literature should be used more often as part of instruction, especially in the sciences. (CFR)

Learning related to music is considered a developmental process in this collection of five articles on music education for young learners. The first article considers music in terms of the educational process and the nature of art. The importance of musical concepts and structures to understanding music is emphasized, as is the role of music in…