A study of 683 first graders in Baltimore (Maryland) examined the effects of the amount of children's kindergarten experience on first-grade performance. It appears that kindergarten contributes more to cognitive improvement rather than socialization. (TJH)

Results of a study of 117 eighth-grade math students suggest: mastery-based methods were more effective than non-mastery methods in improving lesson achievement; computer-based and traditional delivery systems are of greatest value when complementing each other; and student attitudes were only nominally affected by various treatments. (IAH)

Discussion of the use of new technologies in science instruction focuses on the medium of CD ROM. Topics discussed include database retrieval; simulations and laboratory experiments; videodisks; hypertext; and software and interfaces for laboratory experiments. A list of math and science resources is provided. (LRW)

Describes study conducted in England, Scotland, and Wales based on a national sample of 11-year-olds that investigated the relationship between large verbal and non-verbal differences in ability and underachievement in mathematics and reading. Sex differences are also examined and further research needs are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

Reports a case study that examines the efforts of one teacher to increase the computer literacy of her mathematics students. Examines the implementation of a new topic and the curricular decisions made by the teacher, offers an interpretation of factors influencing these decisions, and studies their consequences. (KO)

Examines plausible personal and school-related patterns believed to contribute to changes in teachers' career patterns over a relatively long time. Results with samples of 455 current and 331 former teachers demonstrate several predictors of teacher persistence. Career patterns varied depending on subjects taught, teacher background, and other…

Maintains that integrated mathematics and art curricula reveal congruent activities that enhance learning in both disciplines. Suggested ways to restructure and coordinate the curriculum include inspection of content areas for congruent elements, examination of older models for related theory and materials, and utilizing relevant developmental…

A collection of tips for teachers offers information on creative class projects; parent involvement; teacher grants; the National Student Editorial Cartoon Contest; a guide to good studying; a tribute to Christa McAuliffe; the Michael Jordan Education Club; good literature; classroom techniques; and language arts, math, and social studies…

Describes a pilot program designed to teach algebra to Texas migrant students via audioconferencing. Discussion includes course development, design, and delivery and indicates audioconferencing to be a feasible alternative to on-site instruction, noting high class grade averages and students' increased mathematical ability. Author/AEF)

A Copy, Cover, and Compare procedure was found to produce large improvements in the accuracy of the multiplication facts of two middle school students with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder. The addition of a token economy program produced only small improvements in performance. (Author/PB)

U.S. schools are failing to prepare students for a technological, information-based society. Recent study showed that high school dropouts were better equipped to use consumer-friendly technology than high school or college graduates. Because only 15% of U.S. jobs will be unskilled, United States must rapidly revise its curriculum to stress…

Three experiments compared the effects of interspersal drill and practice using 30% new items/70% review items with 100% new items, with a total of 17 students (ages 9 to 17) having behavior disorders, emotional handicaps, learning disabilities, or mild mental retardation. The ratios were compared for instruction in spelling, multiplication facts,…

Seven articles provide a curriculum guide for mathematics; reading/language arts; science; and social studies. Each article includes library media skills objectives; curriculum objectives; grade levels; resources; instructional roles; activity and procedures for completion; evaluation; and follow-up. (AEF)

This special issue summarizes parallel studies in five countries (Japan, Greece, Thailand, Republic of China, United States) investigating the causal linkages among socioeconomic status variables, family processes, and school variables on the mathematics achievement of urban elementary school children. Methodological problems in cross-cultural and…

Examined the relationship between Spanish reading achievement and native-language academic performance in mathematics, social studies, and science among limited-English-proficient Mexican Americans and limited- and fluent-Spanish-proficient students in a maintenance bilingual education program. Moderately high, positive, and significant…