Argues that the failure of modern courses to achieve their declared goals in relation to children's understanding of science has two causes, namely teachers views about the nature of science, and a degree of confusion in the philosophical stance implicit in many science curricula. Presents a philosophical model for curricula. (CW)

Presents the notion of a "textshop," which juxtaposes methods of teaching reading and writing with psychoanalysis, both of which are approached through Andre Breton's invention of surrealism. (JC)

Describes the following roles and duties of teachers working as a team in the Hope Essential High School: (1) plan the curriculum; (2) have flexible schedules; (3) have common planning time; (4) advise students; (5) choose own grading system; and (6) promote the ideal of student-as-worker. (BJV)

Describes a science activity done with sixth graders during a unit on outer space. Uses the "Discovery Lab" software program to introduce controlled and experimental variables to the children. Discusses the coordination of library research, computer time, and creative drawing to study planetary environments by designing representative aliens. (CW)

Reports results of a study in which 35 teachers of children ages 2.5 through kindergarten were interviewed and observed during group time. Reveals tentative conclusions that teachers can plan and implement activities that are more appropriate to the age, developmental level, or social functioning of the group. Offers specific recommendations for…

Discusses the need to describe the profile of the engineer of the future. Calls for educational programs to better prepare engineers. Provides examples of current efforts in computer-assisted instruction at the University of Delft related to teaching design concepts. (TW)

Describes one statewide process of basal series selection and outlines the concerns of eight groups involved in the process. (FL)

Identifies and ranks major and specific cultural and methodological concerns of 42 Anglo student teachers serving in Navajo, Hopi, and Apache elementary schools. Data reveal that young teachers can be culturally sensitive, feel uneasy about basic teaching skills and strategies, and do make successful personal adaptations on reservations. (Author)

Scanlon and Baggett suggest a basic rationale for serving handicapped students. Downey reviews programs offered to disadvantaged and handicapped at Valley Vocational Technical Center, Fishersville, Virginia. Other articles focus on greenhouse crop production, support services in Pennsylvania, accommodation of the physically handicapped student,…

Literacy is a term that has been defined many ways, with definitions ranging from those that are very narrow to those that are very broad. Among the more wide sweeping was that of the 1991 National Literacy Act, which defined literacy as a wide range of language tasks associated with everyday life, including those "necessary to function on…

DesignShare/School Construction News (DS/SCN) Jurists have often critically reflected on their desire to know more about how teachers and students really experience so-called innovative award-winning schools. Through the DesignShare Post-Occupancy Evaluation Program, the intention is to give voice to the individuals whose lives are directly…

This document contains resolution text adopted by the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in July 2006 regarding English language learners (ELLs). A Question & Answer section follows the resolution, addressing the following issues: (1) How the AFT is helping educators who work with ELLs; (2) Latest research on effective literacy practices for…

I taught 4 types of EFL courses to undergraduate students online: Grammar, writing, culture and study skills using Blackboard and Nicenet. Online instruction was used as a supplement to traditional in-class instruction. Significant differences were found between pre- and post-test scores in writing, grammar and culture but not in study skills. The…

This report focuses squarely on strategies for instructional improvement in American high schools. Specifically, this study examines how high schools that perform below average incorporate their state's accountability goals into their own goals, identify their challenges, and search for strategies for instructional improvement. It focuses on how…

This completely revised and updated ASCD best-seller is loaded with ideas for how to improve student achievement and create a more effective classroom by applying brain research to your teaching. Renowned author and educator Eric Jensen translates the latest scientific findings into effective instructional strategies, including: (1) Why to start…