Argues that reading educators need to objectively appraise the whole-language instructional philosophy in relation to what is known about reading methodology. Discusses the whole-language philosophy, its history, the "whole sentence method," and whole-language weaknesses. Advocates developing a "balanced reading program," which would emphasize…

The typical education professor has fewer than 5 years of K-12 teaching experience; those who haven't taught in public schools for 20 years undermine prospective teachers' attitudes about teaching and have little understanding about teachers' professional problems. It is hoped the character of teacher education may be altered by the massive…

Thomas Popkewitz's book "A Political Sociology of Educational Reform: Power/Knowledge in Teaching, Teacher Education, and Research" (1991) is essential reading for those trying to understand the implications of postmodern and poststructural theories in critical education studies. Modernist ideals should not be abandoned, but rather…

Describes the technical, experiential, and systemic challenges encountered in computer-assisted writing classes. Discusses the gap between the theoretical benefits and the reality of computer-assisted writing instruction. Offers recommendations for teachers planning syllabi, assignments, and lesson plans for computer-assisted classes. (MM)

Discusses four difficulties in teaching business communication: lack of shared organizational vision; lack of reality; class duration; and lack of direction in textbooks. Presents advantages and disadvantages of using a simulated organization to address these problems and to improve students' communication competence in various situations.…

As one of the nation's first school effectiveness programs, Milwaukee (Wisconsin) Schools' Project RISE received national attention during the 1980s for efforts to improve elementary students' achievement test scores. The program failed because of inadequate funding, lack of specificity, and failure to translate the RISE philosophy and the five…

School improvement involves more than just fitting different packages into existing structures. Though education should empower students to become skilled and vital, it often encourages obedience and conformity. There is a bureaucratization that distorts teaching and learning. Theory and cooperative planning are both crucial to educational…

Sorts by theme cases involving ethical dilemmas and actions taken by 23 principals responding to a questionnaire. Most dilemmas involved teacher competence issues. Although administrators' ethical orientation fell within the normal range, only one principal demonstrated all six of K. R. Howe's moral reasoning components. Most lacked courage to act…

Reviews current elements of administrative thought and practice, aiming to provide a comprehensive outline for new programmatic ventures in educating future principals. Describes an existing nontraditional leadership preparation program at Butler University that allows students to work cooperatively on projects, learn through self-direction,…

Learning style research can be incorporated into community education practice by (1) matching learning time preferences to academic schedules; (2) recognizing that many adult students are global, not analytic, learners and tactual/kinesthetic rather than auditory; and (3) accommodating physical needs in classroom seating, lighting, etc. (SK)

This paper uses an ethnographic orientation to contrast trainer-oriented intervention practices with more client-centered or naturalistic practices in speech therapy. Specific ways that control is established and sustained are outlined. Use of an ethnographic perspective is recommended to create intervention contexts that allow children to be…

This paper takes issue with the arguments of S. Miller and M. Fredericks that postpositivist philosophy and concepts like incommensurability are irrelevant or of little value to educational research. It is argued that theory cannot be detached from practice and incommensurability is more than a matter of abstract concepts. (SLD)

This commentary on EC 602 595 questions cognitive referencing's validity as a model for allocating special services to young children with disabilities. The paper raises methodological issues in studies supporting use of the cognitive referencing model. These issues include the construct of delayed development, subject description, and use of a…

Provides necessary background for understanding the following article (pp.334-348) "Creative Curriculum for an Inner City: A Case Study of Alex Taylor Community School." Introduces Dr. Steve Ramsankar, who appeared on a Canadian program called "School as a Loving Place." Ramsankar taught the author to reexamine the small…

Provides an overview of the theoretical basis and methods used for social studies classroom research. Suggests improvements in classroom climate constructs by integrating social studies literature and traditional classroom research approaches. Offers recommendations for improving future research. (SG)