Investigates whether early reading comprehension is holistic or comprises different separate subskills. Finds that reading comprehension of early readers is holistic, closely related to general intelligence and verbal problem solving. (RS)

Describes alternative assessment approaches that provide important information about students with reading difficulties. Criticizes the medical or diagnostic/prescriptive approach to diagnosis. Presents a four-step diagnostic process derived from the holistic/wellness model. (HB)

In presearch, students can develop an overview of a search topic; a graphic organizer in the form of a web can be used. The browse and hypertext features of electronic encyclopedias enable students to explore topics and develop search strategies. The information-gathering process should be holistic and nonlinear. (AEF)

Based on interviews with a principal and two teachers at a Virginia elementary school piloting a multiage program for six- to eight-year-olds, this article describes the program's bottom-up development, holistic orientation, and stress on team teaching and continuous progress. Next year's program will offer more options, including a fourth- and…

Addresses several issues about teaching and learning from Virginia's state capital sphere of responsibility: the state board of education's stake in the quality of teaching and learning; why they get involved; whether they help create environments in which teaching and learning can flourish; and whether they are learners themselves. (SM)

Elementary teachers can use graphing to introduce students to one another. An eye color graphing activity helps students learn more about each other while experimenting with different ways of organizing and displaying information. For follow up, students can apply their graphing knowledge by collecting and displaying data from their families. (SM)

Preschoolers were shown three objects in a given category. Each object had two attribute dimensions. A target category object with two different attributes was presented. Information provided to the children through verbal labeling or variations in a given category attribute both elicited induction of the defining attribute in the novel target…

This commentary on a paper by L. Heshusius (EC 600 327) describes key ideas of direct instruction and reflects on the original paper from a perspective that incorporates the realities of classrooms. The commentary calls for serious, systematic inquiry that explores instructional environments for special education students using constructs from…

In response to a paper by L. Heshusius (EC 600 327), this article clarifies fundamental concepts of curriculum-based assessment and discusses specific points of misrepresentation. The article concludes that Heshusius has created a narrow reductionistic view of reality instead of a dynamic evolving approach to assessment, curriculum, and…

Semantic categorization and concept formation models were used as the bases for intervention with adolescents with language-learning disabilities. The approach embraced such teaching procedures as collaboration, holism, student centeredness, guided questioning and scaffolding, and semantic word webbing. The use of cognitive-linguistic training…

Offers an eight-stage activity which promotes critical thinking. Notes that the activity starts with analysis of literary characters and culminates with presentations based on interviews of respected adults. (PRA)

In preservice teacher education programs, writing competence as an admission or exit requirement is essential because teachers communicate with multiple audiences, they are role models, and they must be lifelong learners. The article describes the background and rationale for a holistically scored writing examination in a teacher education…

Describes female alcoholism patterns, characteristics, and obstacles to treatment. Argues that the most effective treatment program for female alcoholics requires consideration of gender-related factors, such as relationship expectations and sexual abuse. Outlines a holistic, comprehensive care model, intended for the unique needs and concerns of…

Investigates possible differences between holistic and traditional teaching methods in science on cognitive achievement and affective attainment through the use of the Sonnier Model of Educational Management. Finds that holistic strategies were more likely to produce teacher effectiveness than traditional approaches to teaching science. (RS)

This paper recommends a holistic curriculum, conceived and created without the direction of preestablished rules, responsive to the conditions of constant change and unpredictability, accepting the notion of emergence, and inviting synthesis rather than fragmentation of thinking. (SM)