This book of instructional activities for grades seven through eight contains Delaware's State Content Standards for English Language Arts. The standards were developed in 1985 by a committee of teachers representing all grade levels. Used as a basis for curriculum planning in school districts throughout Delaware, the standards were designed to…

Recent research has shown that computer technology, including databases, is becoming a part of social studies instruction. Yet it still is not clear how teachers are using databases and what are the outcomes from such use. The research reported in this document addresses three principal questions: (1) How do teachers use computer databases in…

A series of essays on science, technology and society (STS) education written for teachers are presented. The essays include: "Interactive Video: Bringing the Latest Technology into the Classroom" (Homer L. Krout II; Phillip Horton); "Hypermedia: What's All the Hype About" (Kenneth T. Wilburn); "How to Get the Most Out of…

This discussion of the uniqueness of the middle school focuses on the characteristics of the early adolescent student. It is pointed out that the special needs of these students are infrequently met by the traditional junior high school. Middle schools should be characterized by six unique elements: (1) specific individual counseling; (2) a…

The articles in this journal address aspects of the general theme, "Development of the Teaching Profession," and report on research in brain dominance and certification practices. The following articles are in the theme features section: (1) "Collecting Garbage, Driving Trucks, and Waiting Tables: The Economic Reality of…

Two papers are presented as part of the Effects on Testing Project. The first paper, "The Effects of Testing on Teaching and Learning" (Joan Herman, Shari Golan, and Jeanne Dreyfus), describes a study focusing on standardized, norm-referenced tests. A questionnaire was administered to 85 teachers (kindergarten through grade 12 levels)…

This document is intended to provide a record of the activities of the conference. Featured in the conference were 11 general sessions, 16 panels and symposia, several invited presentations, multiple workshops, and over 100 contributed presentations. The proceedings contain seven sections, five of which are topically arranged with presentors…

Instructional research is reviewed where teaching failures have produced students who seem to be less able to use learning skills or had less access to knowledge in some domain than before they were taught. Three general types of "mathemathantic" (i.e. where instruction "kills" learning) effects are hypothesized, theoretical…

This handbook for educators, administrators, and community leaders shows how innovative and outstanding programs can demonstrate by example. It offers helpful guidelines and models, raises and comments upon present and future issues, and suggests valuable resources. Chapter 1 defines family life education by discussing its importance and…

An inservice program was developed for elementary school teachers who requested help because of their students' apparent lack of written language abilities. Preliminary planning, involving the teachers (trainees) working with a trainer, determined a way in which student learning needs could be related to teacher training needs. The inservice…

Component-building research on practical issues of instructional design can make a substantial contribution to research-based school improvement. Component-building research consists of rigorous within-school experiments that test various components of instruction for effects on student achievement. Research would address practical issues that…

Sparetime education has been developed in the Shanyang People's Commune to accomplish three major tasks. These are to wipe out illiteracy among the young and middle-aged, to disseminate knowledge about society and about agricultural technology, and to train personnel with knowledge in various social, economic, and technological fields. To meet the…

This module, one in a series of performance-based teacher education learning packages, focuses on a specific skill that vocational educators need to be successful in the area of instructional execution. The purpose of the module is to help teachers identify the elements of a good lesson introduction and gain the skills needed to present an…

Intended for regular education teachers of mainstreamed handicapped students, the booklet offers nontechnical information about dealing with children who have a variety of disabilities. A brief introduction traces the evolution of society's attitudes and school practices involving handicapped students. The second unit contains definitions,…

This handbook provides educators with a practical planning and implementation guide for K-12 curriculum improvement in a context called career education. It also gives some direction for planning beyond the high school experience for continued learning and work placement. Chapter 1 establishes a rationale explaining the value of career education.…