Examines the degree to which whole language practices have become a part of reading instruction offered by first grade teachers in six school districts. Finds that teachers spent less than 10 percent of the reading instructional time engaged in practices which could be considered in agreement with whole language theory. (MG)

Investigates the relationship among teacher beliefs about control, perceptions of behavior problems, and preference of interventions in classroom management. Administers two questionnaires to secondary faculty that showed a correlation between control beliefs and interventions. Control beliefs ranged from custodial to humanistic. Includes tables…

Ten principles of interactive language teaching and learning link language pedagogy today with that of fifty years ago. Topics discussed include: (1) student as language learner; (2) language learning and teaching; (3) classroom communication; (4) knowledge and control of language; (5) testing; and (6) scope of language teaching. (MSE)

Discusses the role of computers with young children and suggests that effective use should be based on an understanding of how children learn. Topics discussed include curriculum goals; criteria to consider when buying computers; teacher training; software selection; environmental considerations; and criteria for integrating computers into early…

Presents one teacher's experience with a student with minimal cerebral palsy in an open classroom from kindergarten to the third grade. Addresses questions that arose concerning ways to help a child with special needs in the classroom. (BB)

Reports an interpretive study of curriculum differentiation which looks at a lower-track curriculum at a midwestern public high school. Examines the relationships among curriculum differentiation, classroom conflict, and social differentiation. Concludes that curriculum is a sociocultural construction, that student responses are crucial…

Demonstrates the complex social nature of literacy by examining research on the influence of social interactions on reading and writing development. Illustrates these findings with examples from the environment and activities of a kindergarten classroom. (MM)

Reports a case study that examines the efforts of one teacher to increase the computer literacy of her mathematics students. Examines the implementation of a new topic and the curricular decisions made by the teacher, offers an interpretation of factors influencing these decisions, and studies their consequences. (KO)

Use of a model for systematic ecological assessment was tested in a work experience program for special education inclusion assistants placed in inclusive preschools. Preliminary evaluation data suggest that the model produces integrated developmental activities, use of peer mediation, and a play-based approach to discrete skill development.…

Discusses how cultural differences contribute to overrepresentation of African Americans in special education, examining European American cultural expectations that clash with those of African Americans. Factors contributing to overrepresentation include cultural discontinuity and prejudicial practices among African American students and European…

Discusses the merit in having every English-as-a-Second-Language learner speak during every session to practice English as opposed to the value of allowing a period of silence until the student is ready to speak. It is crucial to provide a stimulus for meaningful interaction and to follow up with opportunities for each learner to use an individual…

Reviews research on young children's transition to kindergarten. Looks at three factors that affect early school adjustment: (1) children's skills and school-related experiences, including social skills, play behavior, and prior experience with peers; (2) parental influences, such as expectations and parent-child interactions; and (3) classroom…

Women students ages 35-55 wrote about their experiences in formal education, focusing on being exposed, being different, mother's expectations, being chosen, being included, and understanding the rules. Analysis indicated the centrality of relationships in construction of self-concept as learners and the persistence of these beliefs into…

Evaluated first use of a classroom environment instrument in a Year 1 class. Students responded to both the actual and preferred forms of the inventory. The teacher then implemented selected strategies in a practical attempt to improve the classroom environment in ways preferred by the students. Follow-up assessment indicated that the environment…

A case study explored how an effective teacher in an urban multicultural classroom uses computers. Identified effective management and instructional strategies. Results support previous research findings that indicate that effective teaching of minority children involves children in decision making, challenges learners, offers meaningful learning…