Lesson units on teaching young citizens about contemporary issues can be used to start class projects that explore how the communications media present information about national issues in different ways and for different purposes. Classroom activities are suggested. Reproducible worksheets and a list of information resources and books for…

Two studies indicate that rural gifted students in Maine middle schools with gifted programs have greater extracurricular and cultural opportunities than those in schools without gifted programs, and in eight states, the level of opportunities available to gifted students does not differ between rural and suburban middle schools. However,…

Suggests parents use catalogs to help children increase reading and math skills. Points out that catalogs link language and print, that children can increase vocabulary through picture naming, and that sorting pictures and classifying objects can increase thinking skills. Suggests that children can practice adding, counting, and comparison…

Reviews a number of educational materials that provide background information on issues related to the environment. Highly recommends the book "Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental Issues" and the periodical "The Green Teacher." Specifically discusses how these materials can be used in the classroom. (MJP)

Suggests ways to use ClarisWorks to motivate students when only one computer is accessible: (1) class database; (2) grade book; (3) classroom journal; (4) ongoing story center; (5) skill-and-draw review station; (6) monthly class magazine/newspaper; (7) research base/project planner; (8) lecture and presentation enhancement; (9) database of ideas…

Survey of 121 regular education teachers in rural British Columbia about inclusion of special education students in their classrooms revealed the need to provide additional resources to assist teachers, particularly the addition of trained assistants, parents, and community volunteers. Suggests that teacher education focus on how teachers can use…

Briefly examines a number of social studies related Internet sites and applications. Notes some of the many sites incorporating information and artwork collected and produced by young students. Includes a brief interview discussing some of the logistics involved in posting information on the Internet. (MJP)

This article discusses the development of World Class Tests in England that enable gifted students to celebrate their achievement within an international context and to enter the World Class Arena. The Arena is being constructed as an international forum where educators and teachers can communicate on research and best practice. (CR)

Reflects on research that showed that, as reading ability of students without disabilities increased in schools engaged in "effective schools" reforms, the reading ability of students with disabilities decreased. Concerns are raised that resources previously devoted to special education programs may serve to infuse general school…

Presents a brief annotated bibliography of seven resources addressing citizenship education cited in the ERIC database. The sources are primarily educational journal articles which consider the impact and use of citizenship education in various curricula and formats. Includes information for ordering copies of the articles. (MJP)

Describes the Centre for Media Resources at the University of Hong Kong. Discusses the facilities and staff; the Classroom Resources Unit which maintains and audiovisual equipment; instructional resources--video, graphics and photography, and videoconferencing; relations with other university centers; outreach activities; and future developments.…

Especially strong in community colleges, service learning, or integrating academic learning and community service, is finding advocates in all of higher education and K-12 schools. Suggests that service learning is an opportunity for librarians to promote academic achievement and citizenship. Highlights print resources and includes a bibliography…

Uses excerpts from "Alice In Wonderland" as introductions to a tour of the uses of the World Wide Web in art education. Discusses such issues as access, copyrights, costs, and benefits. Includes an index of terms, list of related Websites, and suggested teaching activities. (MJP)

Presents a brief introduction and overview to the World Wide Web. Includes Charles S. White's, "Where on the Web? Some Useful Sites for Social Studies Disciplines," Gene Cowan's, "How the Internet Works"( a colorful two-page poster), and "Internet Q and A" (four frequently asked questions). (MJP)

Identifies Internet sites and connects them to specific standards and performance expectations of the National Council for the Social Studies. Standards listed include Time, Continuity, and Change; People, Places and Environments; Individual Development and Identity; Global Connections; and Civic Ideals and Practices. Includes suggestions for…