Teachers viewed interactions with low-expectation students as less controllable than those with high-expectation students and teacher initiations were perceived as more controllable than child initiations. In addition, less perceived control over a student was associated with less feedback from the teacher. (Author/GDC)

The targeted evaluation approach (TEA) combines student ratings, administrator observation, and measurement of student learning. TEA's five steps are (1) writing learning objectives; (2) developing a plan of instruction; (3) setting performance standards; (4) pretesting and posttesting; and (5) analyzing and judging results. (SK)

The author notes a trend in educational research away from the scientific model and toward new designs emphasizing process, context, personal, and qualitative concerns. He describes the approach he uses at Stanford, educational connoisseurship or educational criticism, and outlines its basic components: discernment, description, interpretation,…

Describes a method to determine whether particular strategies and materials are being used in classrooms as a result of inservice training. (Author/MLF)

Social and communicative behavior of 28 preschoolers, some developmentally delayed, was classified under various conditions by four observers. Inter-observer agreements from observations of developmentally delayed and normal children were compared. No significant differences were found. Results are discussed in terms of reliability problems in…

Although classroom learning environment variables provide useful criteria of effectiveness in curriculum evaluation, a limited number of evaluation studies employ classroom environment instruments. This article provides an example of the use of learning environment dimensions as dependent variables in instructional evaluation. (RL)

The Parent as a Teacher Inventory (PAAT) was administered to 30 Mexican-American parent pairs to assess child rearing expectations. Scores were correlated to income, family size, parental sex, parental education, and parent accessibility to the child. Consonance of observed behaviors with PAAT responses indicated an acceptable instrument validity.…

The model is designed to be responsive to parent, teacher, and pupil needs in reducing the discrepancy between the problem behavior and what is reasonably appropriate for the classroom setting. Forms for detailed coding of classroom behavior are included. (Author/CP)

Describes a program in the Vallejo City Unified School District (California) in which the principal, using classroom observation and teacher conferences, assumes the role of teacher of the staff. (Author/JM)

Examines the effect of classroom environment on teaching and learning behaviors of children. Second-, third-, and fourth- grade elementary school classrooms were selected for this study. (MP)

The article explains the value to young children of skill development in the areas of observation, classification, communication, and measurement. It suggests specific science-related activities to help develop each skill. (SB)

Outlines four observational tools which child care administrators can use for evaluating their caregivers. (MP)

The artcile answers some questions frequently asked by growing numbers of bird and animal feeders regarding what types of feeders and seed to use and what kinds of birds can be attracted to a given area. It discusses problems which can arise from this enjoyable year-round recreation. (SB)

A checklist of communication skills and techniques for student teachers includes items in the following categories: knowledge of content; knows students' names; blackboard use; use of notes; distracting mannerisms; eye contact; use of voice; facial expressions; use of humor; seating arrangement; classroom control. (JMF)

A study of the loss of instructional time experienced by elementary school students in the Austin Independent School District compensatory education programs resulted in the unexpected findings that both Title I and Non-Title I schools spent more than one-fifth of the school day in noninstructional activities. (MH)