Spatial mapping is a category system for directly observing instruction in art classrooms. A rationale for studying the spatial dimensions of teaching is presented, how to train observers is explained, procedures involved in a mapping episode are described, methods for analyzing data are suggested, and examples of instruments are presented.…

Discusses learner/computer interaction, learner control, sequencing of instructional events, and graphic screen design as effective principles for the design of instructional software, including tutorials. (MBR)

Demonstrates how case study evaluation concentrates on a single situation to present a holistic view of an experiential learning program and reveals unique and unanticipated features. Outlines steps of planning, gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, and reporting data and considers the advantages and disadvantages of the case study approach. (LFL)

A meta-analysis of studies examining the criterion validity of student course evaluation data is discussed. Results indicate that the overall size of effect is not only highly significant, but also very meaningful when analyzed in relation to enhancing the likelihood of making more accurate tenure decisions. (Author/MLW)

The potential effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) as a medium to provide continuing pharmaceutical education was evaluated. Assessment of educational needs, development of a CAI program and a criterion-referenced test, and evaluation instrument to determine the effectiveness of CAI continuing education are discussed. (Author/MLW)

Data from the National Child Development Study show changes in reading and math attainment between ages of 7 and 11 for children of different social classes and family sizes. For any given 7-year attainment, the variables and changes are associated with different 11-year attainments. (Author/AV)

Authors argued that changes in high-school characteristics like teacher experience, class size, and social composition are unlikely to change high-school effectiveness, and that holding schools accountable for one outcome is unlikely to guarantee effectiveness on another. (Editor/RK)

The author discusses a common error in marriage research, i.e. use of a control group. Single scores which are correlated require no randomized control group. Two arrays of scores which are correlated generally require a randomized control group. (Author/HMV)

Studies the contribution of home and family variables to the degree and type of knowledge of occupations held by children in first grade. The importance of such information to people working on curricular aspects of vocational choice in the elementary school is considerable. (Author/RK)

This research study attempted to identify some factors that might explain the differences in the level of achievement among schools with similar socio-economic status and racial composition. (Author/RK)

This study is a major addition to the few previous investigations of the association between number of years of education and information retention and acquisition by adults both after few and after many years beyond the close of formal schooling. (Editor)

The number of overweight children and adolescents in the U.S. has reached epidemic proportions, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2000, the CDC estimated that 15 percent of the nation's youth were overweight. Overweight children and adolescents are exposed to many health risks, most notably the increased risk…

The California Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS) is a comprehensive youth health risk and resilience data collection service sponsored by the California Department of Education (CDE). This part of the guidebook will assist practitioners in understanding, interpreting, and deriving the maximum benefit from the CHKS results. It provides a basic road map…

This report summarizes the 2003-2004 state assessment information that was submitted to the U.S. Department of Education by states in their Annual Performance Reports. States and other educational entities receiving Part B funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) submitted their Annual Performance Reports to the U.S.…

Charter schools are a relatively new, but fast-growing, phenomenon in American public education. As such, they merit the attention of all parties interested in the education of the nation's youth. The present report comprises two separate analyses. The first is a "combined analysis" in which hierarchical linear models (HLMs) were…