R-WISE (Reading and Writing in a Supportive Environment), a computerized package for teaching critical literacy, is described, focusing on its use in developing reading comprehension. The program eases demands on short-term memory, highlights strategically important aspects of comprehending text, guides internalization and self-initiation of…

Presents the Accommodations Planning Team (APT) seminar, a half-day job placement program for graduating students with disabilities. The seminar approaches placement via skills training and resource utilization. The group format enables teams to learn from one another. Structured activities introduce students to important career preparation…

Presents a study of the acquisition and development of information coordination ability. Examines students' composition of texts comparing two cultural groups after reading either one text describing both or a separate text on each. Concludes that older students used more complex information integration levels, whereas all subjects performed…

Fourth and fifth graders (n=38) were trained in four thinking roles (task definer, strategist, monitor, and challenger) through small-group discussions to determine whether they retained and transferred their self-directed critical thinking skills. They applied the thinking roles effectively in comparison to untrained children up to eight weeks…

This study examined the effects of 3 instructional methods--computer education, creative problem solving, and traditional gifted curriculum--on development of problem-solving skills of gifted students aged 8 to 12. Posttest scores of the computer education unit were significantly higher than scores for the computer literacy and problem-solving…

Proposals for a significant improvement in education include the following: an alternative program for low performing students; a school-plus plan that extends the school year; a program that gives students the option of returning to take classes; choice for the neighborhood school; a program for students who show an affinity for science and…

Describes a study examining research on classroom management and translating the findings into a skills-based program on effective classroom management. Reports that research-based concepts and principles are meaningful and of practical value to teachers. Recommends a conceptual- and skills-based approach to classroom management for development of…

Discusses instructional uses for the "Carmen Sandiego" software series to encourage interest in geography. Suggests "Carmen" be incorporated into the curriculum by teacher-directed grouping that adds teacher instruction into cooperative and competitive arenas, curriculum integration linking diverse specialties, and isolated…

This study examined beliefs and practices of Kentucky's Chapter 1 reading teachers (n=1,279) in light of requirements of the Hawkins-Stafford Amendments requiring instruction in advanced skills in Chapter 1 programs. Most teachers' practices did not match their beliefs; those whose beliefs and practices were consistent with an advanced skills…

Asserts that increasing numbers of history teachers design courses to have students use historical research and processing skills. Reports on a study of 120 middle school students about their perceptions of what historians do. Concludes that the study provided teachers a means of assessing student understanding of historians. (CFR)

A discussion of effective training for health professionals proposes that selection of strategy be guided by knowledge needed by the graduating student; skills to be mastered; teaching methods effective for achieving these two objectives; and whether the desired knowledge, skills, and attitudes are reflected in assessment methods and outcomes…

This study of 18 school-age children with Down Syndrome supports the contention that combining technological access to speech and text with teaching methods providing the language structure to link speech output and text with personal meaning results in significantly improved language skills compared with use of computers without speech output or…

Combined with a computer, videodisks of foreign films are helping second-language students at the University of Pennsylvania learn two neglected skills, listening and looking. The combination of attractive visual and linguistic information and fast pace stimulates vocabulary acquisition. The program has prepared 20 interactive videodiscs in 6…

Describes a skills development program based on research and writing subskills. Includes analyzing questions, devising a form to record information, researching and reporting findings, and supporting a point of view in persuasive essay. Explains that the program through three years of middle school, adding and refining skills each year. Suggests…

A communication program was implemented with the families of three adolescents with behavior problems. Skill teaching resulted in parent-adolescent dyads learning to use the skills in the teaching setting, but competent use of the skills in the home was not observed until an in-home family conference phase was implemented. (Author/JDD)