Describes the five-step writing process used in a holistic secondary school writing program: brainstorming, outlining, drafting/revising, peer editing, and writing a final copy. Discusses the writing process, the teacher-student relationship, collaborative learning, and student evaluation. (PRA)

Fifty-eight U.S. and 10 Canadian dental schools responded to a questionnaire concerning whether they had operational Faculty Practice Plans (FPPs) and to describe their plan's characteristics. Results revealed FPPs had little impact on the school's teaching and research functions and a less than harmonious relationship with the practicing dental…

Scholars on poverty are actively objecting to proposed legislation to reform the current welfare system, arguing that certain approaches are inconsistent with research on poverty and that widespread misconceptions are influencing public policy. Of particular concern is the potential effect of the proposed legislation on poor women and children.…

Examines the relationship between teacher perceptions and practices in literature-based reading instruction. Discusses elementary teachers' views about the role of children's literature in the literacy program; how teachers implement literature-based reading programs in their classrooms; and whether there is congruence between teacher perceptions…

Reports a study that examined the usefulness of concept maps for detecting differences in kindergarten teachers' theoretical orientation (whole language versus phonics). Results revealed that content but not structure measures differentiated whole language from phonics teachers. Concept maps proved useful in measuring teachers' theoretical…

British primary schools will change significantly if recent recommendations (concerning subject orientation and specialist approaches) are implemented. Key 2 curricular approaches are similar to those advocated for middle schools, but a middle school philosophy could only be sustained in schools of a certain size and with proper teacher…

The need for professional personnel to work with Australians with developmental disabilities would best be met through establishment of multidisciplinary academic centers for teaching and research. Academic staff at these centers should hold conjoint appointments with relevant professional disciplines, and the centers should be networked with…

Microcomputers in education are only valuable if there is software to stimulate each specific student. Teachers must understand each student's learning style then use computer software to meet individual needs. Students should become aware of their individual learning preferences and apply specific techniques to acquire knowledge more efficiently.…

This paper describes the influence of constructivism on assessment practices used with special needs students. Features of assessment that incorporate a constructivist philosophy include those holistic, dynamic, and multidimensional in scope; complex interactions among development and the curriculum; metacognitive processes and strategic learning;…

Discusses the lack of teacher training provided for teaching assistants in history departments. Argues that emphasis on research and publication is misplaced because most new Ph.D.s will be teaching rather than publishing. Urges teacher training to prepare graduate students for their chosen profession and to improve undergraduate education. (DK)

Literature on word processing (WP) and writing in elementary classrooms is reviewed. Five propositions are constructed to provide a schema for understanding what is known and needs to be learned about young writers and WP. WP's effects on students' composing processes, written products, attitudes, and keyboarding/systems skills are considered.…

Aspects of the social theory of J. Habermas with implications for education are reviewed. Habermas had influenced thinking about pedagogical and administrative theory and about the societal role of education and educational practices. According to Habermas, critical social science requires mastery of the analytic and interpretive sciences, not…

The incorrect Humean notion of causation in the standard view of science has had devastating effects on social science research. Alternatively, scientific realism, as illustrated in R. Bhaskar's work, provides a scientific framework for research, incorporates the perceptions and intentions of participants, and advances critical values (i.e.,…

Describes reform of a Chinese vocational teaching program. Emphasizes a teaching structure combining theoretical and practical teaching. Lists prerequisites for an independent teaching system as suitable instructors (usually engineers), equipment for practice, and a transformation of the students' views toward study. Urges revision of teaching…

Tests theoretical perspectives about the effects of employment during high school. Supports a zero-sum model which suggests that working during high school subverts traditional academic goals. Finds no support for the developmental model which claims that employment during school builds character. Acknowledges that working to save money for…