This article explores the effect of augmentative and alternative communication systems on literacy acquisition by young children with severe speech and physical impairments. The possibility of a relationship between the type of graphic symbols used for communication as a preschooler and the child's early reading competency is considered. (DB)

Provides six fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used with specific curriculum units. Highlights include elementary student activities for art (winter holiday crafts); reading/language arts (fantasy in stories, elements of folk stories from India, writing sequels to fairy tales); science (animal symbiosis); and social…

Describes the role of parent information centers in the school selection process, drawing on experiences with six Massachusetts information centers. In spite of insufficient funding and overwhelming work loads, these centers are providing valuable information to help parental school choice and to promote parent participation in school decision…

This annotated bibliography lists 35 1989 and 1990 publications for school library media specialists that address cataloging and technical services, general issues and perspectives, management, resources, the teaching role of the library media specialist, and technology. Collection development and incorporating literature into the curriculum are…

Describes a variety of devices that can assist students with disabilities. Highlights recently developed devices for students with specific learning disabilities, and with vision, hearing, health, physical, and speech and language impairments. The devices can help rehabilitate, reeducate, facilitate normalcy, or augment current functioning. (GLR)

Presents a class project in which students were divided into groups, each of which produced a letter as though written by a resident of prerevolutionary Texas. Provides suggested characters, review exercises, suggestions, and evaluation advice. Discusses the project's benefits as a Texas state history review and language arts lesson. (DK)

This article provides an overview of several major themes in the reform movement and how changes brought about by school restructuring affect practicing teachers. Topics include teacher empowerment, site-based management, knowledge-work enterprise, school-university collaboration, professional development schools, whole-language instruction, and…

This article on the social behavior problems of children with language disorders who have or are at risk for developing emotional or behavioral disorders examines: prevalence of these disorders, social functioning of these children, early precursors to social competence, relationship challenges of school-age children, implications for assessment…

Contends that children in the early childhood years do not compartmentalize knowledge and that the typical school curriculum presents artificial barriers to learning. Discusses the link between music and language acquisition and the significance of the home environment on music skill development. (CFR)

Roles of language proficiency and general developmental factors on metaphor interpretation were examined for 60 Spanish- and English-speaking and 60 monolingual English-speaking children aged 7-8, 9-10, and 11-12 years. Language proficiency in English and socioeconomic status were considered, but both were less important in metaphor interpretation…

Provides chapter six from V. V. Davydov's "Problems of Developmental Teaching." Discusses research done on the link between learning activity theory and the structuring of elementary level curricula. Reviews teaching methods for mathematics and the Russian language based on Davydov's theories. (CH)

Significant differences between education in the Australian states and in the territories make meaningful generalizations difficult. Common national trends include curriculum development that focuses on basics and the government's desire for community involvement in school decision making. Other issues include students' cultural and linguistic…

Discusses an elementary social studies class project in which students wrote letters to older Russian and European immigrants who were learning their English. Reports that students also met with their pen pals and helped them prepare for their citizenship test. Describes the test as an excellent U.S. history overview. Emphasizes the compassion and…

Reviews the research literature on Writing to Read (WTR), a computer-based language arts program designed to help kindergarten and first grade students develop reading and writing skills. Limitations of the evaluation reports, research projects, and specialized applications of WTR are reviewed, and problems in research design and methodology are…

Describes a project in which grade-four students read a historical novel and wrote essays as historical characters. College-level education students also read the novel and replied to the elementary students. Concludes that the project helped students achieve preestablished instructional goals. (CFR)