Research on computers in schools is reviewed. The findings include the following: (1) 53 percent of schools have computers; (2) restructuring classroom schedules and revising inservice programs would expand computer use; (3) software packages should allow for individual differences; (4) publishers are coordinating software with curriculum; and (5)…

The hypothesis is examined that, in British Columbia, when variables measuring socioeconomic status, district resources, and basic district characteristics are controlled, no significant differences between aggregated student achievement will remain. Results suggest that districts are significant sources of achievement variation and that…

Compares a real world model of literacy instruction (where reading is an integral component of everyday functioning) with actual classroom instruction to suggest that, at least in some content classes, this model is not operative. (NKA)

A Challenge Committee comprised of the school librarian, principal, counselor, a district consultant, and teachers developed a junior high school gifted program that incorporated student interests, teacher talent, and community resources. The program's success stemmed from opportunities for teacher ownership, administrative support, parent and…

Discusses the conflicts and controversies associated with public acceptance of certain teaching materials and textbooks. Cites specific court cases and outlines the issues involved in the adoption process. Reviews efforts taken by different states in addressing the quality of instructional materials. (ML)

The author argues that quality in schooling can be attained or judged only in relation to what are conceived to be the purposes of schooling, and that concepts of the purposes of schooling differ within the society and change according to the changing circumstances of the society. (CT)

Discusses the changing function of the modern zoo from its merely recreational role to its newly emerging role as preserver of species, educator, and center for research. Describes the San Diego Zoo as the model for the modern zoo and provides tips for planning field trips to a zoo. (JM)

Analysis of emergence of learning resources concept and interactive education principles as special phenomena in library science highlights a paradigm for librarianship, evolution of standards for school and college libraries as conceptual models, and textbooks in school librarianship, the library college, and for librarianship in higher…

Divides curriculum development into 10 steps to aid administrators at the local level in planning for whole systems or for single courses. (JW)

The "Quest for Less" is designed for teachers in grades K-8 to use as one of the many tools in the development of lesson plans. Activities and concepts in this resource can be incorporated into existing curricula, or teachers can create special week-long units on the environment and solid waste or use the activities to commemorate Earth Day. This…

Drawing from the information presented at a conference sponsored by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology in Education Consortium, educators, researchers, and policymakers translate theory into practice to provide a hands-on resource that describes different models for scaling up success. This resource…

In response to the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), raising literacy levels in secondary schools has taken on a new urgency. Recognized literacy author, Elaine K. McEwan, focuses her revised second edition on enhancing the "five big ideas" for raising reading achievement with seven cognitive strategies of highly effective readers and…

"Stepping Up to Science and Math" invites teachers to step back and rethink the way they teach both of these essential subjects. Then it illustrates how teachers can step up the pace with Standards-based activities that make learning more effective and efficient. (New lessons featuring gummy worms, school buses, or the planet Mars help teachers…

Based on analyses and recommendations reported in School Improvement Planning: What's Missing?, the present report proposes ways to (a) reorganize school improvement guidance and (b) expand standards and accountability to encompass a component to address barriers to learning and teaching. In doing so, the work highlights the need and a focus for…

Guidance and career education is a whole-school program that provides students with the opportunity to understand, develop, and apply the concepts in three areas of learning: student development, interpersonal development, and career development. This paper outlines some of the suggested philosophies, programs, and resources available to help…