This joint statement expresses concerns about present practices in pre-first grade reading instruction and makes recommendations for improvement. The statement was prepared by seven organizations concerned with preschool education and/or reading instruction. (BD)

A literature search identified 39 studies assessing modality preferences and modality teaching. The studies, involving 3,087 disabled and nondisabled elementary/secondary level subjects, were quantitatively synthesized. Subjects receiving differential instruction based on modality preferences exhibited only modest gains. (Author/JDD)

This study examined parents and preschool children interacting in two informal alphabet learning activities, using picture books and interacting with software on a personal computer. Results showed few differences in the way mothers and fathers reacted with preschoolers, but there were differences in consistency across the two settings. (LMO)

A 15-year-old high school student describes the differences between her public and private high school experiences. She offers a clear analysis of those aspects of public schools that must be changed if they are to serve the needs of minority students. (JOW)

Describes a study which compared the instructional effectiveness of a team-based, peer-review approach to teaching programing skills to secondary school students, with that of a traditional approach. The discussion covers students' attitudes and programing skills development resulting from the implementation of the experimental approach. (Nine…

Explores the reactions of third-year pupils to their science lessons. Discusses the extent to which these boys' and girls' reactions can be used to predict enrollment in the different branches of science in their fourth year. Describes ways to encourage students to continue in science. (CW)

School failure and dropout rates among Native Canadians suggest Alberta province is failing to meet special requirements of Indians. Article promotes integrated schools that incorporate Indian beliefs and values into curricula and teaching methods. Also examines design and implementation of integrated teaching programs. (TES)

Fourteen Native Canadian intermediate students identified as creatively gifted were assigned to experimental or control groups. Pre- and posttests of creative potential indicated significant gains in originality scores of the experimental groups, who received training in fluency, flexibility, and originality through formation of objects and…

Presents activities for a thematic unit of literature exploring humankind's relationship to the land, as inspired by Robert Frost's poem. Activities include planting flowers, examining travel brochures, viewing a transparency exhibit of images of nature, and journal writing on topics dealing with owning and working land. (HTH)

This study investigated the effectiveness of videotape as a medium for communicating skills in audiovisual instruction to education students at a university. Results indicate videotape mediated instruction can be better for developing skills in some practical aspects of audiovisual instruction than the lecture method. (MBR)

Describes the daily program of a highly successful Japanese preschool based on the Suzuki educational philosophy which emphasizes repetition and structure in teaching. Explores possibility of using program in other educational settings, particularly in the West, because of high cognitive gains by children. (DST)

Discusses four British educational practices dealing with reading instruction, written language, copybooks, and oral language and how they differ from American practices. (HTH)

This book is about strategies learners can use to make their language learning and practice more successful and enjoyable. It is also about how teachers can help their learners develop those strategies. By making strategies part of their courses, teachers can help prepare their learners for their future study. This practical guide gives examples…

This digest discusses the need for differentiating language arts instruction for gifted students in grades K-8. It begins by describing differentiation approaches, including acceleration, depth, complexity, challenges, and creativity. It then explains how teachers can differentiate the language arts curriculum in the following five areas: (1)…

Two university professors investigated whether or not specific pedagogy contributes to raising students' self-awareness and development of critical thinking regarding issues of social justice. This paper describes two pedagogical tools used in the study: the Roundtable and the GRECSO model. The Roundtable is a whole-class activity that explores…