Considers the family-centered approach to education used in the Head Start program as a model for developing effective early childhood music education programs and encouraging family involvement in music education. Discusses how music educators can contribute to the changing nature of early childhood music programs. (CMK)

Addresses the Niles Firebrick Project, an outreach program from Youngstown State University that has traveled to nine schools in six Ohio school districts, with a majority of the classrooms visited in middle schools. Explains that the project centers on the use of primary documents about the Niles Fire Brick Company. (CMK)

Analyzes the status of graduate music programs in the United States from 1994-95 by surveying 120 colleges and universities, both public and private, representing all 50 states. Compares the findings to an earlier study conducted in 1984-85 in order to determine various changes that have occurred. Discusses the findings in detail. (CMK)

Discusses the Christopher Newport University (Virginia) [CNU] online program in which students can complete their general education required courses and earn four-year undergraduate degrees online. Addresses the effects of technology on students and the problems encountered in an online environment. Includes reactions by George Bredon and Howard…

Discusses the current state of environmental science and studies. Argues against critics who claim that the increasing diversity of environmental studies faculties is eroding the curricular coherence and academic integrity of the programs. (Contains 24 references.) (WRM)

Outlines a parent involvement program that was developed and implemented by speech-language pathologists as part of a comprehensive program to improve academic achievement and literacy by focusing on communication skills. The organization and content of the parent program are explained, and information needed for replication is provided.…

Discusses perspectives on teaching foreign languages, describing four models of instruction. Proposes the formulation of minimum requirements and the use of textbooks and handbooks for working with different models of instruction. Considers the problems to be addressed, such as developing a methodology for teaching in primary schools and teaching…

Describes the National Board for Professional Teacher Standards (NBPTS), addressing the types of certification available to teachers and the NBPTS propositions. Discusses the procedures for NBPTS certification and the types of certification areas for elementary social studies teachers. (CMK)

Addresses the importance of social context when students are learning music and how social context may affect learning styles. Focuses on how teachers should respect students' different learning styles, presenting Harvard Project Zero as a program in which the learner is central to the educational process. (CMK)

Examines the change in focus of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 from an emphasis on isolated remedial add-on services to a concentration on leveraging overall improvement in teaching and learning. Benefits of schoolwide programs are highlighted, and the components needed for developing high-functioning schools are…

Considers the influences of technology in art education. Discusses Hugging Hands International, a nonprofit children's organization featuring an international children's art gallery on their website. Addresses the experience of a school district in Evanston (Illinois) whose children's artwork had been added to the Hugging Hands website. (CMK)

Explores Brent Wilson's report "The Quiet Evolution: Changing the Face of Arts Education," focusing on Wilson's reformulation of discipline-based art education and the methodology of the evaluation. Examines the findings and refers to "The Quiet Evolution Executive Summary." (CMK)

Describes various collaborative programs between community arts organizations and schools that provide long-range talent development. Considers the aspects of identifying artistic talent within the arts. Addresses artistic underpinnings, perceptual discrimination, metaperception, creative interpretation, student commitment, the procedures, the…

Focuses on a 1998 University of Nevada project in which forty elementary and middle school teachers learned about the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) "Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People" and the NCSS thematic strands. Highlights strategies that emerged from the project that integrates children's literature…

Details investigation of characteristics of early childhood teacher preparation programs at 2- and 4-year institutions through a survey of program chairs or directors. Presents findings on faculty characteristics, including racial makeup; course and practica requirements; comparisons between early childhood programs and the institutions as whole…