Argues that student evaluations of teachers (SETs) in their current format are fundamentally a student-controlled process, but that students are not adequately prepared for such control. Advocates greater teacher control in the SET process and presents sample evaluation criteria from an ideal process in which teachers interested in critical…

A study involving three males (age 13) with learning disabilities investigated the effectiveness of using story mapping for teaching elements of the story form. The instructional procedure positively affected the number of story elements included in students' recall of stories when they were explicitly taught to use it in reading. (Author/CR)

Special section includes "World Wide Weeds" (Ann M. Bauer), about trainers as webmasters; "Get the Picture?" (Frank Jossi)--the role of digital video in computer-based training; and "The Reluctant Executive" (Anne K. Fredrickson), how to get administrators into the information age. (JOW)

Reviews the historical roots of affirmative action, its intended purposes, and actual outcomes. Suggests that its original goal of neutralizing race has been broadened to the advancement of it. Reviews arguments for and against the broadened interpretation, arguing that it represents only part of the solution for achieving equality. (16…

Reviews research on metacomprehension, indicating that awareness and control of cognitive activity are key characteristics of successful independent readers. Presents findings from a study of 25 university students taught to use a text-marking system. Reports that the system led to more sophisticated levels of metacognitive awareness. Sample text…

Describes a technique that combines the use of a story grammar strategy with cooperative learning procedures to promote greater reading comprehension. Step-by-step instructions for cooperative story mapping are provided, along with an illustration of a story map. The implications for special and remedial education are also discussed. (Author/CR)

Assesses high school students' levels of dispositional optimism and pessimism, explanatory style and anger in relation to the school setting. Results suggest that anger management programs focusing on cognitive restructuring and related strategies can be a powerful means for reducing aggressive behaviors at school. (Contains 38 references.) (GCP)

Reviews the literature on what works in school improvement in the UK. Outlines the practices that appear to be necessary--in terms of organization, culture, leadership, and ethos--to improve the levels of effectiveness. Appended is an outline of a number of particularly effective school-improvement projects. (Contains 22 references.) (WFA)

Explored the influence of two preservice placements on five teachers' current practice. Interview data indicated that, despite a clearly defined curriculum framework, placements did not achieve their purpose. This paper recommends considering three issues when designing placements: learners need to believe that they are undertaking authentic…

Contends that having the responsibility to develop and implement curriculum is crucial to teachers' professional identity. Proposes that teachers are currently marginalized in the curriculum development process. Describes the opportunity presented to English teachers in 1986 to develop a Study Design for the Victorian Certificate of Education.…

A study observed 32 eighth-grade students, divided according to their educational program placements, working on various tasks in either homogeneous or heterogeneous ability groups. Homogeneously congregated, gifted children exchanged constructive types of knowledge and prosocial feedback significantly more often than other homogeneous groups or…

Outlines the benefits of human performance assessment and examines the reasons why testing hasn't become a general practice in organizations. Describes five steps in creating a test/assessment instrument: analysis; construction; reliability; validity; and setting standards. (AEF)

Discusses sexual abuse among persons with mental retardation, skills for preventing sexual abuse, and methods for assessing prevention skills. Reviews research on abduction prevention programs for persons with mental retardation and on sexual abuse prevention programs for children, and makes suggestions for future research. (Author/CR)

Compares a spelling program to a traditional basal spelling program. Results obtained from 16 intermediate grade students indicate that students' weekly test scores significantly increased during the experimental spelling program. Outlines benefits to students, as well as the difficulties of implementing the program. (RJM)

A British follow-up study of 25 convicted perpetrators of child abuse compared group and individual treatment outcomes. Results found some evidence for positive change in the group condition in terms of greater honesty in reporting normal and deviant sexual outlets, in addition to the improvement in attitudes toward women. (CR)