Describes the theater arts teacher education program at the University of Kansas, Lawrence. Asserts that "connected teaching," in which individual teachers and their students are colearners, forms the foundation for the program. Includes an appendix listing current Kansas standards for certification of drama teachers. (CFR)

Asserts that art teachers must understand current learning theory and implement new cognitive concepts to provide the best art education for K-12 students. Reviews major ideas in cognitive learning theory, focusing on the idea that thinking is domain, or content, specific. (CFR)

The nine articles of this special section focus on the role of evaluation in the reform of the mental health system in Washington. The reform process is described from its inception through its design to the dissemination and utilization of evaluation results. The final article considers implications for statewide evaluations. (SLD)

Describes ways in which the content and assessment standards for Kentucky student portfolios enable students to achieve success under the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Portfolio evaluation and assembly concerns that threaten equity for Kentucky students are also discussed. Portfolio assessment criteria, rubrics, and student benchmarks communicate…

Authors of these books spend little energy on defending multiculturalism and instead focus on specific programs, strategies, and outcomes of multicultural teaching practices in higher education. Two of the books focus on the challenges of teacher education in the face of growing diversity; the third concerns multicultural teaching at the…

Discusses the concept of participatory citizenship in a democracy. Describes the origin and development of the Close Up Foundation, which sponsors study trips for secondary students to Washington, D.C. Asserts that the teaching methods and materials used in the program promote effective learning and citizen participation. (CFR)

Offers 3 teaching designs developed for 12- to 16-year-old pupils taking into account personal differences in gender, culture, knowledge, and use of calculators. The designs concern the representation of three-dimensional objects in the plane, directions and great circles on the sphere, and exploration of the integrating calculator. (Contains 31…

Presents a learning activity in which the location of National Football League teams are used to explain geographic concepts. Contends that geography presented in most history textbooks is limited primarily to simple name-place identification. Provides maps and teaching suggestions to help students understand spatial perspective and historical…

Reports on a study of two secondary teachers who used the practical reasoning or practical argument approach to classroom management. Finds that practical argument techniques can benefit teachers by providing opportunities to question and revise their theories of learning and teaching. Recommends that teacher education programs employ the…

Describes using the movie "Jurassic Park" as a foundation for a middle school interdisciplinary unit involving science, math, language arts, history, and geography. Suggested books and activities are presented. (PR)

Describes a course for graduate science education students in the history, philosophy, and nature of science. Topics addressed include the course motivation and evolution; aims, topics, and goals; organization and instructional methodology; a reading list; projects; and grading and evaluation. (PR)

Provides a series of five classroom activities designed to teach about the interaction of culture and law in India. Explains that the tension between constitutional democracy and ancient traditions represents a serious challenge to India. Includes a map, four student readings, and a list of eight resources. (CFR)

Types of questions asked in first-grade mathematics classes in Japan, Taiwan, and the United States were investigated. Observations of 311 lessons by 16 Japanese, 20 Taiwanese, and 33 U.S. teachers suggest that the kinds of questions asked in Taiwan and Japan contribute to more sophisticated mathematical knowledge. (SLD)

Summarizes a study that maintains that students who work together in small groups had a better understanding of map concepts. Discusses why making maps in groups can enhance students' conceptual geographic understanding and offers suggestions for improving geography instructions using small group configurations. Includes statistical and graphic…

Among factors affecting African-American males' academic achievement, student/faculty relationships are vital. Using theory-based teaching strategies, faculty can support student success by designing in-class experiences to incorporate racial-identity development activities. The classroom should be a safe space for expression of personal…