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

Three studies attempting to define teacher clarity are described. In each case students are asked to rate teacher behaviors in terms of clear or unclear behaviors. The results of each study indicate categories of characteristics of teacher clarity. (JMF)

Over 100 systems have been developed that permit the recording and categorizing of teacher and student behavior. The cognitive processes of practicing teachers' decision making must be studied in order to deduce a common base whereby teaching decisions could be improved. (Author/JKS)

First- and second-grade teachers were assigned to one of four conditions representing variations in consultation where they were required to teach a hypothetical child to add. Results suggested that behavioral consultation with task analysis was associated with significantly more teaching success than was control, medical model, and behavioral…

Examines the development and usefulness of the Elementary Science Teachers' Preferences (ESTP) test. Findings suggest that this instrument is useful and valid in determining differences between teaching preferences of teacher-centered and student-centered teachers. Findings also indicate that polarized labeling of teachers is inappropriate. (MA)

A large-scale study of the extent of parent involvement on boards in preschool day care indicates that intensity of involvement, rather than the number of parents involved, is the key factor. The impact of parent involvement on staff and classroom environment also is examined. (MS)

The history and utility of category observation instruments are briefly traced; category observation instruments are defined and their essential properties stated; and a sequential strategy for their construction is discussed. (MM)

Explores the extent to which the promise of lay control of education has been fulfilled in free schools and in doing so points to some conditions that affect school governance which have been ignored for the most part by students of educational politics. (Author/RK)

Paper presents an analysis of a ritual ceremony among staff of a public elementary school which takes the form of "secret-pal" gift exchanging. Study indicates that although such rituals do not resolve causes of conflict or eliminate competitive and hostile attitudes, they do serve to reduce anxiety and conflict. (RW)

Study concludes that linguistic deprivation, defined as differences between language or dialect spoken in the home and that of the school, influences success in school. As long as language proficiency determines success, culturally different groups will have difficulty advancing socially and economically. (RW)

Can evaluation of teachers by students be effective? The author, who reviewed much of the research on the subject, describes the findings, points out similarities and differences, and concludes that student evaluations may serve as a valuable adjunct to improving instruction. (Editor)

Three experiments (n=300) were conducted to investigate college student reactions to classroom fairness issues. In two experiments, student ratings of fairness were affected by manipulations of procedural fairness and grade outcome. Effects of procedural fairness were stronger than grade. In the third experiment, ratings of professors were…

Examines the effects of goal setting and feedback applied to teacher behavior as a means of producing desired changes in students' behavior during consultation. Results indicate that the intervention was effective at increasing appropriate student behavior and was judged by the teacher to be acceptable. Implications of results are discussed. (RJM)

Investigates current beliefs and practices of elementary and secondary teachers regarding using writing to teach mathematics. Finds that teachers indicated strong belief in the benefits of using writing to teach mathematics, yet actually used writing activities less than once a week. Notes reasons by which these instructional decisions are…