Training preservice teachers to develop a predisposition toward constructivist instruction is a major goal for many faculty in teacher education. One critical attribute of a constructivist teacher is a strong hold on pedagogical content knowledge. This study examined the prior knowledge of preservice science teachers and how that knowledge aligned…

On September 5, 1986, the Elementary School Center convened a national, interdisciplinary group of respondents and observer-participants to debate the main issues raised in Secretary of Education Bennett's "First Lessons" and to note the areas which need additional attention. Respondents and observer-participants included public and…

This paper focuses on ways in which one state policy for improving education--standard-setting through testing mechanisms--affects the classroom teacher-learner relationship. That uniform policy-making is problematic is clear from observations of 43 Mid-Atlantic school district teachers. Responding to three types of standards, 45 percent found…

Extensive public concern about the deficiency in basic skills confirmed by a decline in standardized test scores and widespread implementation of a variety of state and local improvement programs indicates an urgent need for national attention to this timely issue. However, a federal testing program or federally-imposed performance standards are…

This paper, the fourth of a series, covers the impact of the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) on the field of adult education in England. The content is presented in four sections. The first one briefly covers the origins of the WEA. Section 2, a review of WEA's founding principles, concentrates on the objectives of working class…

A two-part study was conducted to investigate the underrepresentation of blacks in the medical and nursing professions. Through a literature search it was found that due to the low number of minority applicants medical schools have created positions for minority recruiters who serve as role models, empathize with black student concerns, and help…

In phase 1 of this study Illinois proprietary institutions were surveyed to identify their vocational program offerings; a directory of their offerings was published. In phase 2 Illinois proprietary school administrators were interviewed, and the data was analyzed to determine resources available, the institution's readiness for cooperation and/or…

About half the states in the U.S., either by legislative or administrative action, have moved toward the imposition of statewide performance standards in their elementary and secondary schools. Typically these standards pertain to the basic skills--reading, mathematical computation, and written and oral expression. Almost all of these programs…

This new addition to the Knowledge Essentials series, "Kindergarten Success," shows parents how to enrich their children's classroom learning and take an active role in their kindergartners' educations by exploring: (1) What your children are learning at school and the educational standards to expect in math, language arts, science, and social…

North Carolina first established a Standard Course of Study in 1898. The "North Carolina Standard Course of Study" provides every content area a set of competencies for each grade and high school course. Its intent is to ensure rigorous student academic performance standards that are uniform across the state. It includes the subject or…

This document presents materials that were developed for a presentation explaining how the Gordon Cooper Technology Center in Shawnee, Oklahoma, obtained state certification for the geometry and trigonometry program that is embedded in its residential and commercial construction program and enables its students to receive high school geometry or…

This publication highlights statistics showing the progress made during the past quarter-century in educating children with disabilities. It also includes data showing how much more needs to be done to prepare all students with disabilities for a productive and independent future. Part 1 discusses sources of the statistics and the key role of the…

This collection of papers includes the following: "Introduction to the Volume" (James E. Alatis); "Adults Learning To Read in a Second Script: What We've Learned" (David L. Red); "Trends in Peace Corps Volunteer Language Proficiency" (Margaret E. Malone); "Evidence for the Greater Ease of Use of the ILR Language…

Camden is one of 31 urban school districts in New Jersey known as Abbott districts. As an Abbott district, Camden receives funding to equalize its per student general education budget with the most successful suburban districts in the state. Through a series of indicators, the Camden Abbott Indicators Report presents the status of educational…

Newark is one of 31 urban school districts in New Jersey known as Abbott districts. As an Abbott district, Newark receives funding to equalize its per student general education budget with the most successful suburban districts in the state. Through a series of indicators, the Newark Abbott Indicators Report presents the status of educational…