Despite higher expectations for student learning that require problem-solving, in-depth discussions, and extended small-group projects, central-office directives (in response to standards and testing pressures) are proliferating and intruding on instructional time. These and other routine interruptions convinced the author to end a decade-long…

Teaching portfolios are not just scrapbooks of random assignments and student work samples, but represent teachers' evolving reflections and analyses measured against rigorous standards. Thoughtful reflection, not a color printer, is the key to portfolio success. Tips on assembling suitable "artifacts" and handling anxiety and time…

Discusses a year-long study of time spent teaching and maintaining two comparable mature university courses, one offered online and one on campus. Results showed that the distance course required more frequent attention, but the total teaching and maintenance time per student was less than that for the traditional course. (Author/LRW)

Discusses using time effectively in chemistry instruction, planning instruction to compete for students' time, and whether the time needed for expertise will increase or decrease over the next few years. (Contains 13 references.) (ASK)

Principles of establishing priorities are applied to the selection and scheduling of instructional priorities for beginning reading instruction, with emphasis on teaching phonological awareness and letter-sound knowledge through more efficient use of instructional time; teaching less, more thoroughly; and providing oppportunities for oral…

Validity and reliability were calculated from data in the standardization sample of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale--Revised for 565 proposed short forms. Time saved in comparison with use of the long form was estimated. The most efficient combinations were generally those composed of subtests that were quick to administer. (SLD)

Compares achievement of students attending a large Florida high school under a traditional schedule during 1993-94 and a trimester block schedule during the following year. Passing grades have gone up 3.7%. Regarding Scholastic Aptitude Test and American College Testing results, there was no significant difference. Teachers, students, parents, and…

Determines the effectiveness of a structured free-time contingency for a 12-year-old male with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The overall outcome indicates increases in compliance and on-task behavior during the structured free-time condition. These procedures were effective and easy to implement in a special education resource room for…

Surveyed directors of predoctoral family medicine programs (n=78; response rate of 61%) about the inclusion of Web-based educational methods in their programs, the level of interest in such programs, and barriers to program development. Results show nearly universal use of e-mail and Web pages. Identified faculty time and funding as common…

Describes OpenCourseWare (OCW), a process developed at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to make their course materials (as opposed to actual courses) available free online to users anywhere in the world. Discusses time commitment, reusable learning objects, creating Web sites, and OCW as a new model of scholarly sharing. (LRW)

Describes a study at the University of Idaho that used focus groups to explore information seeking methods and how they had changed over the past few years. Highlights include information sources; criteria used to judge information sources; obstacles to finding information; time spent; values and emotions; and the ideal information source. (LRW)

Analyzes five studies on the effects of extra examination time for students with learning disabilities. These studies directly tested the Maximum Potential Thesis, but show only weak support for it. Discusses some methodological problems that weaken these studies. (SLD)

This article discusses challenges in using participatory action research (PAR) in the evaluation of programs that provide services and supports to people with severe disabilities. Challenges include the need for modification of the model, time constraints, issues around power and position, and inclusion of individuals with severe disabilities.…

Initiating improved models of teacher practice requires a series of resolutions to guide staff-development efforts. The revamped scenario sets priorities among all the teacher's essential roles and responsibilities: learning, instructing, planning, writing, coaching, tutoring, and studying. Teacher competence and quality are also priorities. (MLH)

Instruction targeted at increasing student content mastery is the most ethical approach to test preparation and also addresses the overall goal of improving student achievement. Sound and varied classroom assessments can help address efficient time usage and reduce the gap between teaching and standardized testing. (Contains 21 references.) (MLH)