Discusses reaction to satirical letter criticizing teachers for spending extra time with weaker students published in the March 23, 2001, issue of the "San Jose Mercury News" by a former professor of mathematics and computer science. (PKP)

Describes the experience of a five-year-old mainstreamed boy who supposedly had a developmental lag in language. The boy illustrated his understanding of basic functions of written language by competently orchestrating a pretend rental agreement with one of the authors. Illustrates the need to look beyond the surface features of the writing of…

A study by Yanouzas and Sanders shows that positive feedback works sometimes and with some students. Such feedback, however, should be personalized and should not be automatic, i.e., either unwarranted or inexplicitly related to the student's work. (GC)

The concept of overlap between instruction and assessment is defined. The influence of tests on teaching and the teacher as curricular content decision maker is described. A model of how awareness of this overlap can move curriculum practice into alignment with an assessment system is presented. (Author/MT)

Reports on an assessment study of secondary vocational education based on student testing and surveys of teachers, parents, students, and vocational administrators. Suggested improvements include (1) emphasis on basic skills, (2) more career counseling, (3) business-school partnerships, (4) local vocational plan development, and (5) cooperation…

Describes teacher/student feedback that is constructive and empowers the student to do more and feel good about what he or she has accomplished. Teachers' questions are answered concerning the amount of praise given, its effect on the class overall, and pitfalls. Three narratives are offered as examples of effective praise and criticism. (GR)

Examination of the history of secondary school English elective curricula--from their development and growth between 1962 and 1968, through their refinement and variation between 1968 and 1972, to their critical examination and decline between 1972 and 1977--can be summarized in six points. First, the curriculum was a logical development springing…

Bias based on race, ethnicity, sex, color, class, or other characteristics is a problem nationally and internationally. Both overt and covert incidences occur in educational settings where most educators begin to work with little or no practical experience with the cultural groups they encounter in the student population. Thus the behaviors of…

Recognizes the influence of praise on human behavior, and provides specific suggestions on how to maximize the positive effects of praise when intended as positive reinforcement. Examines contingency, specificity, and selectivity aspects of praise. Cautions teachers to avoid the controlling effects of praise and the possibility that praise may…

Recent literature suggests it is not students' backgrounds, but schools' response to students' backgrounds that determines students' success in school. School practices and policies adopted in response to student performance in attendance, academics, and behavior also have a significant impact on students' decision to leave school before…

This brief summarizes what is presently known about violence in schools and provides recommendations for preventing the violence. The following findings are presented concerning the prevalence of school violence: (1) both teachers and students are in greater danger of losing their property through theft than of being assaulted or robbed; (2) both…