Legal questions relating to secondary education continue to be prolific. Two influences principally affect this situation, namely: (1) the dynamic and progressive nature of education; and (2) vague and chaotic conditions of laws affecting secondary schools. With respect to the first of these influences, no valid objections or modifications have…

For some time, leaders in special education have expressed the desire for a national overview of State certification requirements for teachers of exceptional children who, because of their limitations and their particular needs, require special help. This bulletin, prepared as a part of an Office of Education Study, "Qualification and Preparation…

This handbook is a guide to accounting for school activity funds. It is designed for use by individual schools and school systems throughout the United States. The project was undertaken to meet the increasing concern of State and local school officials and the general public for safe ands economical handling of school activity money which amounts…

Analyzed statewide elementary and secondary school data from the Kansas Writing Assessment to examine the effects on student writing performance of student choice of topic and teacher choice (related to extent of engagement and amount of time allowed for writing processes). Results find the effect of choice is negligible, though it promotes good…

Issues identified as important to the future of information resources management and use in higher education include information policy in a networked environment, distributed computing, integrating information resources and college planning, benchmarking information technology, integrated digital libraries, technology integration in teaching,…

At the Search Institute in Minneapolis (Minnesota), researchers study 6th-12th graders nationwide, identifying developmental assets to growing up healthy and happy. They suggest that adults surround children with external assets (support, boundaries and expectations, empowerment, and constructive time use) to help them develop values and skills…

Argues that college graduates need crucial advanced reading skills beyond entry-level skills required for college admission, and summarizes national educational outcomes research on reading competence, including skills of interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, and reflection, and attitudes toward reading. Examines implications for…

Presents seven brief essays addressing recent research efforts and policy initiatives aimed at reforming the history curriculum. Notes that policy recommendations are rarely informed by research on either historical or pedagogical thinking. Authors include Keith C. Barton, Matthew T. Downey, Terrie L. Epstein, Linda S. Levstik, Peter Seixas,…

Factors supporting excellence in optometric residency programs are discussed, including initial student contact and orientation, instructional quality, teacher as resource, student quality, admission procedures, curriculum design, levels of clinical training, resources that expand the resident's experience, stature of the program within the…

Defines political geography as a discipline specifically concerned with territorial organization and power and how these impact human and political processes. Traces the development of the discipline from the mid-eighteenth century to the present. Discusses reasons for its fall from academic grace and its eventual resurgence. (MJP)

Outlines uses of participatory activities suggested for middle school students in the National Standards in Civics and Government. One fifth-grade group studied drug and alcohol problems from a constitutional perspective. Another simulation involved students role playing interest groups lobbying a senator about legislation concerning smoking. (MJP)

The School Health Policies and Programs Study assessed health education, physical education, health services, food service, and policies prohibiting violence, tobacco use, and alcohol and other drug use at state, district, school, and classroom levels. State questionnaires found several common themes across the components of school health…

Provides an overview of U.S. federal information policy and its treatment of electronic information resources. Highlights include government publications; electronic government information; main providers of government information, including the Government Printing Office; the Freedom of Information Act; public access and use; information…

Maintains that professional development based on competency-based education and training is growing. Reviews postsecondary inservice teacher education programs. Argues that democratic traditions in teaching and learning should be included in professional development programs. (CFR)

Describes the alternatives used by the Penn State University libraries to respond to the challenge of providing access to the many different kinds of databases. Approaches include development of a generic interface based on the Z39.50 protocol; staff support, including instruction, reliable documentation, and staff involvement; and better user…