A new approach in alternative assessment focuses on student-led conferences. This paper explains how one Iowa middle school implements student-led conferences. The approach combines authentic assessment via portfolios with greater student involvement. Additional components include self-assessment, effective communication, parental involvement, and…

Self-perceptions of teacher feedback, social comparison of reading competence, reading satisfaction, and general self-worth were assessed among third and sixth graders (N=247) with learning disabilities and normal achievement. Perceived teacher feedback was the best predictor of reading satisfaction and was less favorable among sixth than third…

Explores the multiplicity of ways in which lesbian physical education students and teachers construct and manage their respective identities within higher education and the schooling system in England. Analyzes in-depth interviews and questionnaires to reveal how many are forced to comply with dominant discourses of hegemonic heterosexuality. (MJP)

A study examined disparity and resulting conflict in learning and teaching styles of high school teachers (n=29) and students (n=299) in South African province. The majority of teachers were intuitive and introverted, preferring abstract ideas and independent work, while students tended to be concrete-sequential and extroverted, needing direct…

A study investigated the design and effectiveness of the faculty development efforts of one University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) faculty member over a two-year period. The experience included use of a professional growth contract to indicate commitment and intention, student feedback from over 500 students in eight courses, structured alumni…

Relational education addresses social as well as academic aspects of student development. The core elements of relational education as used in the Community School, a Maine alternative high school, are trust, paying respectful attention, teacher-student relationships, a sense of belonging, student responsibility for behavior and physical plant…

Details various ways music teachers can provide children with the emotional resources to rescue and heal themselves. Primary among these is the establishment of trust. Recommends modeling stability, consistency, benevolence, flexibility, and a healthy perspective. Discusses the challenges and problems of being a surrogate parent. (MJP)

Presents a case study of a boys' school from the perspective of how the women teachers experienced this environment, and examines the changes in the school and the resulting micropolitical conflict over gender. Two ideal type groupings of women teachers emerged, with differing interpretations of their situation, what they believed a feminized…

A middle school English teacher suspected that her own personality and demeanor gave students permission to act out. Student surveys examined how her demeanor affected students and what rewards and punishments were appropriate. Results indicated that, though she was not sending mixed messages, her students desired consistent, meaningful classroom…

Discusses preschoolers' interest in and wonder about sexual anatomical differences, and adults' responses to their questions. Presents Freudian stages of psychosexual development, the relationship between sexual identity and gender role, children's preference for single-sex play groups, sex stereotyped toy preferences, and the role of television…

Tested psychometric properties of a new measure of developmentally appropriate practices in kindergarten through third grade and the predictive value of classroom and teacher characteristics. Found that grade, class size, number of children with disabilities, teacher educational level, teacher experience, and teacher beliefs accounted for 42…

Describes Pennsylvania State University's World Campus, a virtual university. Topics include vision, expressed in a mission statement; resources needed; technical support; program development; measurement of results; funding; working adult students; online instructor-student interactions; partnerships with other universities and corporations; and…

A study examined a Scottish council's initiative to mainstream secondary pupils with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Classroom observations and teacher interviews at 12 schools indicated that not all departments shared the underlying philosophy, and consultation with community agencies was lacking. Some schools showed progress, but…

This article examines the literacy of Latino students and related educational issues, including the need for more informed educators, the distinctive nature of instruction for Latino students, alternative literacies, facilitating the transfer of information from first language and life experience to school-based tasks, xenophobia and linguicism,…

Examines classroom activities engaged in by more and less experienced Punjabi-Sikh Grade 1 speakers of English and discusses how relationship between those speakers are implicated in their speech activities. Three occasions in this classroom are examined: A common, teacher-directed interaction; an excerpt of children at play; and a playful…