The central component of the University of Cincinnati's teacher education restructuring involved development of a pattern language based on research in architectural redesign. The language identifies areas of knowledge necessary for teaching and specifies the processes and structures for achieving goals. It allows incorporation of goals and values…

Teachers and habilitative specialists (n=120) of multiply handicapped blind and deaf-blind children in Massachusetts responded to a survey on the use of assistive technology. Respondents reported problems in knowledge of electronic mobility aids and communication devices; the availability, maintenance, and funding of devices; and adequate…

School students' conceptual frameworks in astronomy and students' levels of knowledge and conceptualization were examined for 130 students in grades 2 through 12. Knowledge and conceptualization increased with school age. A test administered to 892 students in 7 schools demonstrated that schools contributed little to education in astronomy. (SLD)

A survey of teachers (n=547) of the learning disabled in Iowa found that teachers possess well-developed beliefs and perceptions about learning disabilities and are knowledgeable and well informed. The questionnaire covered four areas: nature and characteristics of learning disabilities, assessment and diagnosis, service delivery and intervention,…

Examines grading systems in undergraduate education at a large university, using data from a 12-month ethnographic study. Identifies how grades determine student movement from college to other organizations. Questions relationships of grading systems to students' perceptions of their own knowledge and grading's role in educational outcomes. Finds…

The study, with 107 gifted adolescents (ages 11-14), found they had surprisingly mature knowledge of career decision-making factors and had already done career planning more typical of older students. Female students indicated career preferences for occupations paying far less money than those to which male students aspired. No multicultural…

A study at Illinois Benedictine College compared the advising of freshmen with that of upperclassmen. Upperclassmen rated advisers highly on academic dimensions such as knowledge of major courses and graduation requirements. Freshmen saw advisers as concerned about their college adjustment, helpful with referrals, and interested in their general…

The item-response-theory-based (IRT) rule-space model was used to diagnose student knowledge about how exponents behave in multiplication and division in a sample of 431 tenth-grade students. Implications for using feedback from the rule-space model in instruction and assessment are discussed. (SLD)

Factors related to distribution of adolescent health education were assessed. National Adolescent Student Health Survey data indicated that health education was widespread but inadequate regarding sexually transmitted diseases, suicide, and consumer health. Health curriculum varied by grade and was less related to gender needs. (SM)

Some epistemological issues underpinning alternative conceptualizations of education of children of African descent in Canada are discussed, with reference to the agency and the subjectivity of black female educators. The standard epistemologies must be reshaped to the pedagogical realities of black teachers and students in Canada. (SLD)

Compares the exercise attitudes, knowledge, and habits of 1,833 alumni from 4 colleges, 3 of which had varying degrees of required conceptually based physical education. Results indicate that physical education programs with a required concepts of physical activity course appear to affect alumni values and attitudes about exercise. (GLR)

This study surveyed personal factors influencing reasoning of 61 adult citizens about federal budget deficit solutions. Reasoners were motivated to present a strong argument for their answers and generally did not offer counterargument unless prompted to do so. Education level was not significantly related to quality of argument. (SLD)

Describes British teenagers' (n=138) knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes toward biotechnology with particular reference to food production. Concludes that more than half the teenagers were familiar with the term "biotechnology," but most lacked detailed knowledge of the subject. Teens rated formal schooling in science as an important…

Examines the mathematics competency of teachers of deaf and hard-of-hearing students as a factor in these students' poor performance. Analysis of a survey of teachers of the hearing impaired and administrators indicates insufficient mathematics preparation of teachers, particularly those at the high school level. Suggestions for improving…

The development of the Children's Attitudes Toward the Environment Scale--Preschool Version is reported. Construct validity of the scale was suggested by the pattern of relationships found between child and parent measures. Children's attitudes were not correlated with verbal ability, but with the degree to which children participated in…