This document reviews recent research on language development and discusses some of the methods for encouraging language used in commercially produced lesson plans such as the Peabody Language Development Kit, the Peabody Early Education Kit and the Distar Language Program. An argument is presented against the concept that some children…

Lists suggestions for alternative methods of evaluation that will bring teaching and evaluation methods into close correspondence (as opposed to following creative teaching with a memorization test). Contends methods of evaluation should become part of the learning process, not just measure recall of information given by the teacher. (SKC)

Precision teaching can accelerate basic skills progress of special needs children. Issues discussed include using probes as performance tests, charting daily progress, using the charted data to modify teaching methods, determining appropriate age levels, assessing the number of students to be precision taught, and carefully allocating time. (JDD)

Examines the evolution of reading comprehension in English classrooms and examination rooms and considers active and collaborative approaches to teaching reading comprehension. (HOD)

Every spring, education-related newspaper and magazine stories raise the alarm that schools are "teaching to the test." Scores of articles and editorials paint a disheartening picture of frustrated teachers forced to abandon good instructional practices for a relentless stream of worksheets based on boring, repetitive test-preparation…

This study investigates relationships between teachers' receipt of high-stakes test score results of their students and subsequent changes in instructional and classroom assessment practices the following year. The sample consisted of 722 elementary, middle, and high school teachers. The results indicate that most teachers reported using the…

This paper describes Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that results in mental retardation. An overview of this condition is presented from the perspective of a family who traveled through the many stages of the disability from infancy to young adulthood. The etiology and characteristics of the disability are discussed, including…

Three critical procedural skills in emergency medicine were evaluated using three assessment modalities--written, computer, and animal model. The effects of computer practice and previous procedure experience on skill competence were also examined in an experimental sequential assessment design. Subjects were six medical students, six residents,…

This book provides information on what works in education, how teachers can find what works, how educational research can find its way into classrooms, and how teachers can apply it to help individual students. Data come from a meta-analysis of research studies on instructional strategies that could be used by K-12 teachers. Nine research-based…

This study examines the impact of the Pennsylvania writing assessment policy on writing instruction and teaching methodology. Drawing on self-reported teacher perceptions and classroom practices, the study also attempts to identify the factors that influence teacher beliefs and their use of materials and processes related to the state writing…

Argues on the basis of Piaget's theory that self-regulated cognitive activity of the student plays a crucial role in the construction of logical reasoning strategies used in testing hypotheses. Proposes six sequences in the development of hypothesis-testing conceptions and provides alternatives. Also distinguishes three families of teaching…

Two techniques classroom teachers can use to screen students' ability to read and understand their text are described. The Cloze Placement Inventory and Group Reading Inventory are recommended for testing groups of students in various subjects in grades four through college. (Author/DS)

Describes physics project of the sixth-year of secondary schools in Scotland. The article also discusses: (1) aims of the Scottish certificate of sixth-year studies (CSYS); (2) teacher's role; and (3) method of teaching physics projects. (HM)

Describes a project to determine the impact of weekly quizzing on student performance in general chemistry. Notes final exam scores were the same for students who took weekly quizzes as for students who took the quizzes but not for credit. Explores several possible explanations. (MVL)

The status quo in mathematics is not equitable, especially for female and minority students. Some criteria for an equitable mathematics program are given. (MNS)