Missouri's two-tiered higher education funding program addresses state-level accountability demands while rewarding campus-level improvements in teaching and learning. The context and evolution of the program are described, characteristics of the state-level and campus-level planning efforts are outlined, and issues in implementation and future…

A Pennsylvania State University study of institutions deemed to be using technology well found that they all use policy, budget, and strategy measures to maximize benefits; encourage early implementation of information technology infrastructure and standards; emphasize customer service to integrate technology into institutional culture; and use…

Maintains that the traditional role of standards in elementary curriculum development is that of asking important questions regarding quality curriculum design and instruction. Presents seven questions to guide teachers as they utilize the standards. (CFR)

Maintains that children's literature provides a rich resource supporting the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) national standards. Asserts that many books can be used in the elementary classroom to develop lessons around the 10 NCSS themes. Recommends two or more children's books for each theme. (CFR)

Overviews the impetus for an overhaul of the U.S. educational system with special reference to reform of foreign language education. The author covers goals, standards, implementation of new policies, local control, interdisciplinary teaching, teacher education, parental role, assessment techniques and staffing. Two responses to this overview are…

Maintains that music technology growth can assist teachers in implementing interdisciplinary approaches involving history, culture, and music. Presents suggested classroom strategies utilizing CD-ROMs and other interactive media technology. Discusses downloading music education resources from the Internet. (CFR)

In 1987, Toronto Board of Education mandated the development of standards, called "benchmarks," for students' achievement in mathematics and language at the end of grades 3, 6, 8, and 10. The development and testing of benchmarks stressing higher-order thinking, problem solving, and the use of experiential approaches and manipulative…

Three articles discuss the issue of the mediator's role in the library of the electronic age. Topics addressed include computer-assisted instruction; online catalogs; computer networks; professional identity; reference service and bibliographic instruction; CD-ROMs; online systems; personal home microcomputers; Internet and list servers;…

Discusses restructuring of in-service and preservice mathematics teacher preparation, noting recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Research Council. The paper examines three standards for professional education: assessing students' mathematics understanding, knowing mathematics, and knowing mathematical…

Detection of calculation errors, operation errors, and unanswerable problems was studied for 78 third graders and 77 fifth graders. The relationship between mathematics achievement and error detection was also examined. Older children and high achievers detected more errors than did younger students and low achievers. (SLD)

Describes ways in which the content and assessment standards for Kentucky student portfolios enable students to achieve success under the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Portfolio evaluation and assembly concerns that threaten equity for Kentucky students are also discussed. Portfolio assessment criteria, rubrics, and student benchmarks communicate…

Reviews the history of the concept of equal educational opportunity, noting the shift from a separate-but-equal input definition to an opportunity-to-learn process interpretation. Also discussed are implications of the definition of opportunity to learn for professional development and the education of African-American students. (SLD)

Describes a strategy to raise standards in a British inner-city school through parent involvement in learning and decision making and the recognition of religious and cultural diversity. Communication, particularly with language minority parents, is vital to the program's success. (SLD)

Suggests that the variety of English spoken in Brunei (BNE), sometimes called nonstandard, is still at an early stage of development and there is little awareness among its speakers of some differences from standard English (STE). Results of a grammaticality judgment test administered to 106 university students, designed to find nonstandard verb…

By adopting interactive methods and being sensitive to students' concerns, teachers can minimize uncivil behavior, even in large classes. Solutions found helpful by a number of faculty members focus on several issues, including setting clear expectations, addressing majority needs and rights, taking a proactive approach, and personalizing large…