Describes the current situation of physical education in American elementary, middle, and high schools, including fitness testing and the influence of outside agencies (state departments of education, professional associations, and colleges and universities). Recommendations are made to improve the situation for physical education, especially in…

Observational data were collected on the instructional tasks used by 30 learning-disabled, 32 emotionally/behaviorally disabled, 30 educable mentally-retarded, and 30 non-handicapped students in grades 2, 3, 4, and 5. Tasks used in mainstream and special education classrooms were assessed. Time, setting, and interaction effects were studied. (TJH)

Described are the dehumanizing conditions of Black underclass life and possible improvements through creation of re-educative therapeutic communities, termed "powerful environments." Powerful environments include expectations, psychological distancing from negative culture, positive social integration, staff leadership, peer power, work, and…

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Discussion of teaching college level mathematics using computer algebra systems (CAS) focuses on a new microcomputer-based teaching/learning environment called Computer Algebra and Logo (CAL). Highlights include the teachers' role in the development of mathematics teaching and learning environments; methods and goals of implementation; and…

Using field studies methodology, a study of one woman's student teaching experiences reveals the ways she cares for and nurtures children through curriculum modification and teaching. A number of dilemmas of caring which women teachers may experience are discussed. (IAH)

Identifies characteristics of secondary schools that promote academic outcomes among a broad social and racial distribution of students. Compares Catholic and public schools by examining organizational differences between the two sectors. Statistically models the relationship between those features and the social distribution of academic…

There exists a crisis of inequality in our education system. The concepts of the democratic school and of school and community-based teacher education, which can contribute to alleviating this inequality, represent an important yet neglected component of the reform agenda for teacher education. (IAH)

The Delphi technique was used to enable 36 gifted education experts, special education administrators, teachers, and parents of gifted students to reach consensus about appropriate gifted education goals for elementary school programs. Three priority goals were identified, in the areas of learning environment, educational climate, and thinking…

Educational environments that reduce the likelihood of acting out and promote positive cognitive, social, and emotional development are useful not only to behavior disordered youngsters, but to all students. Forces that facilitate and inhibit the establishment of positive classroom ecologies are outlined, and components of effective instruction…

Reports on a study of the extent and distribution of several forms of aggression and violence in schools in Schleswig-Holstein (Germany). Includes responses from 2,382 persons in a representative sample. Finds a slight increase in violence during the past three years but a high frequency of verbal aggression. (CFR)

The relationships between student affective performance and classroom physical environment, social climate, and management style were studied for 21,622 students, mostly sixth graders, in Hong Kong. Perceived quality of physical environment and class master's expert, personal, and coercive power were the strongest predictors of affective…

Distance open learning represents both an outcome of and a primary factor in globalization. Despite investment in infrastructure, software, and human resources, demand for distance open learning in the European market remains constrained. The European Union's policies conceptualize a "European economic space" that ignores the real…

Describes the School of the Woods' (Houston, Texas) middle school environment, a learning environment developed to create trust and community, provide meaningful work, and allow adolescents to create a vision for their future. Explains the school's philosophy in terms of adolescent psychology, trust, and curriculum. (TJQ)

Describes a cooperative effort between a university school of education faculty and a local high school in Canada. The professor agreed to teach two units of a social studies class and share her impressions, thoughts, and suggestions with the teaching staff. Discusses her findings, interactions with the staff, and subsequent developments. (MJP)