Identifies design, conceptualization, and evaluation deficiencies of foreign-language computer-assisted instruction (CAI) materials and defines attributes of effective CAI lessons. Formats for creating these lessons, an experiment for future research into effects and uses of these materials, and suggestions concerning role and uses in…

Focuses on the positive and negative economic and political effects of study abroad for students in developing nations. Presents an empirical model, comprising 84 developing nations, to assess the long-run impact of study abroad. Presents five qualitative case studies that demonstrate the effects of study abroad on development. (SB)

Looks at English departments, English curricula, and the activities of professional organizations in the field, and concludes that bureaucracies, with their vested interest in the status quo, prevent effective action against a range of major problems faced by English teachers. (RBW)

Concludes that in the first stage of reading, students appear to make relatively few nonsense errors on familiar words, whether they are taught with a meaning-based or phonics approach. However, if initial instruction emphasizes phonics, real word substitutions tend to be graphically constrained; with initial meaning-emphasis instruction,…

In a four-year longitudinal study of computer-assisted instruction, mathematics, reading, and language arts courseware developed by Computer Curriculum Corporation was evaluated in four elementary schools. Each curriculum raised students' scores on standardized and curriculum-specific tests. Program costs, participant attitudes, and implications…

Describes the Success in Reading and Writing Program, designed to help students with attention deficit disorders by involving all four language processes. (FL)

Washington seems to be in a season of worrying--some might say "obsessing"--about the education system in Pakistan. The 9/11 Commission, whose final report has become a fixture on the bestseller lists, has highlighted the links between international terrorism and Pakistan's religious seminaries, or "madaris", and recommended…

For several years, states have listed accommodations allowed on state assessments. States soon found that the definitions of these accommodations varied not only across states, but also within states and even in schools. Over the past few years, states have made greater attempts to define each accommodation and to decide whether the accommodation…

This study investigates middle school mathematics students' views and interpretations of graphical representations as they use graphs to answer algebraic questions--specifically, questions that require them to extrapolate information from graphs. From data gathered in videotaped interviews, students' verbal responses were analyzed as well as any…

Understanding the health literacy of America's adults is important because so many aspects of finding health care and health information, and maintaining health, depend on understanding written information. Many reports have suggested that low health literacy is associated with poor communication between patients and health care providers and with…

This report analyzes recent Census data to respond to the following questions: (1) How many children are enrolled in preschool/childcare? (2) Of those enrolled, how many are in public versus private preschools/childcare? (3) Do enrollment rates vary by ethnic groups, and if so, why? and (4) How do California enrollment rates compare to those of…

Educators across America face an enormous and growing challenge: motivating a diverse student population. The growing trend toward inclusion increases diversity by including special-needs students in the same classroom with regular education students. The increase in the number of students who do not speak English puts a huge responsibility on…

The Inupiaq of Alaska's North Slope are the first Inupiaq to have achieved self-government. The greatest significance of home rule is that it enables the Inupiaq to regain control of their children's education. The North Slope Borough schools must implement a bilingual and bicultural program that teaches children in their Inupiat language, with…

This longitudinal study examined the education of language minority students in five school districts nationwide. Qualitative data included interviews, school visits, surveys, and source documents. Quantitative data included information from registration centers, language minority student databases, student information systems databases, testing…

This fantasy unit focuses on C. S. Lewis's "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe." Through the unit's 17 lessons (which correspond to the book's 17 chapters), students will read and analyze the text, using the literary elements of characterization, setting, plot, theme, character, climax, and resolution. The unit offers an overview;…