Describes a third-grade instructional unit that begins with a basic introduction to African geography and culture. Children's books, from sources as diverse as current politics and Masai folk tales, are used to illustrate key concepts and places. Includes a list of children's books used in the lessons. (MJP)

The African American-white achievement gap exists even among the youngest children; African American students arrive at kindergarten considerably behind their white peers in measurable cognitive skills. Although the gap has narrowed somewhat over the past several decades, the average African American still scores below 75 percent of white students…

This publication contains a sample of the 44 indicators in "The Condition of Education 2003." The indicators in this publication are numbered sequentially, rather than according to their numbers in the complete edition. The Contents page offers a cross reference between the two publications. Since 1870, the federal government has…

It is argued that despite a common assumption to the contrary, there is children's literature appropriate to students of English as a Second Language (ESL) aged 9-14. First, the unique needs and characteristics of the target population are examined. This population consists of limited-English-proficient speakers, usually immigrants or refugees…

This book is intended to help college faculty members, teaching assistants, and prospective instructors to develop their teaching skills and choose instructional strategies that match their personalities and result in improved student learning. The nine chapters cover the following topics: (1) determining teaching objectives (stresses specificity…

This review of research studies focused on differences between Hispanic-American and White, non-Hispanic groups on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Questions studied were the factors associated with ethnic group mean differences on the SAT; the types of item format or content found differentially easier or more difficult for Hispanics; the…

During the 1995-96 year, the Education Commission of the States (ECS) Clearinghouse issued almost three dozen "Clearinghouse Notes" on a wide array of education issues. The notes, which are usually one to two pages long, show at a glance state legislation passed or pending on specific education issues. This packet contains the complete…

A collection of essays on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) and bilingual education focuses on issues in making curricula meaningful for teachers and students. Articles include: "Critical Mediation: When Teachers and Students Connect in the 'Ecliptic Zone'" (Irma N. Guadarrama); "Reflecting on Ideological Baggage: Latino…

This book is a baseline guide for professionals and library school students on issues that concern the selection and bibliographic control of electronic resources, from both conceptual and pragmatic standpoints. The book includes the following articles: (1) "Foreward" (Lois Mai Chan); (2) "Introduction" (Ling-yuh W. (Miko)…

The Des Moines (Iowa) Public Schools foreign language program for K-12 is described and evaluated. The evaluation report focuses on six areas, including: (1) school district mission and philosophy of foreign language instruction; (2) context (state policies and standards, foreign language program overview and enrollment, fiber-optic communication…

Florida's community college and school district postsecondary adult vocational programs in fire fighter training and fire science technology were subjected to a statewide program review. Efforts were made to reach Florida's entire community of career and volunteer fire fighters. Data were collected in the following ways: site interviews with…

This report examines the sub-baccalaureate labor market, defined as a labor market for those with less than a baccalaureate degree but at least a high school diploma. This market constitutes about three-fifths of employment. Following an introduction, the report describes the sub-baccalaureate labor market as primarily a local labor market…

Judge Thomas Hull's October 1986 decision in the "Mozert et al. versus Hawkins County Public Schools" provoked concern from a number of educators who felt that the plaintiffs, several Fundamentalist parents, who were favored in the decision, were attempting to force their religious principles on non-Fundamentalists. Judge Hull's…

Prepared by a state personnel management advisory committee, this document provides a guide to Oregon school districts in the employment, retraining, and retention of both certified and classified (support) staff. An introduction explains that district personnel management functions include determining need and selection, assignment, and…

This combination report and guide is intended to assist a broad audience of state and local educational administrators, teacher educators, and state policymakers. The first chapter of the guide examines (1) current views from the field regarding procedures for defining teacher effectiveness, teacher supply and demand, factors affecting teacher…