Provides reasons for pursuing interdisciplinary study, reviews past interdisciplinary efforts, presents in detail a course model, and summarizes student and faculty reaction. (PR)

There is growing consensus about schools' roles as the national agenda emphasizes economic and social improvement via school reform, prioritizing relationships among schools, families, agencies, and health organizations. As schools are being reinvented, educators are examining the impact on physical education, particularly the relationship between…

Describes teachers' efforts at a New Jersey middle school to learn alternative assessment strategies and implement a portfolio system. As they became more student-centered and interdisciplinary colleagues, these teachers realized they needed new student assessment tools. Portfolio neophytes are advised to start small and simple, using a limited…

Teachers at an interdisciplinary magnet middle school in Pensacola, Florida, collaboratively developed performance assessments to help them evaluate defined student processes and outcomes shown in student writings, oral and electronic presentations, and other portfolio offerings. In interdisciplinary schools, collaboration between curricula and…

This article describes a model of collaborative study and field placement with undergraduate students in elementary education and special education at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh. It provides a rationale for collaborative teacher education and a proposed course structure to fit into existing teacher education programs as an…

Describes strategies that use trade books to teach science to primary students. Strategies include (1) developing concepts and vocabulary; (2) using concrete manipulatives to reinforce learning; (3) encouraging retelling; (4) developing class summaries; and (5) developing visual imagery. (MDH)

Reports on an experimental program in which preservice education students worked as Junior Achievement consultants in elementary schools. Discusses successful results and aspects of the project that could be improved. Concludes that the program could be replicated successfully in teacher education programs throughout the country. (CFR)

Respondents from 49 state education agencies completed a survey describing state-level implementation of transition services for youth with disabilities. All states used technical assistance and cross-disciplinary training as their primary systems-change strategies and the majority of states viewed these strategies as effective. Relatively few…

Criticizes the notion that the empiricism of economics is more valid (and therefore more valuable) to the field of political science than the more subjective efforts of area studies. Specifically responds to Robert Bates's categorization of area studies as "unscientific" and unduly "humanist." Briefly discusses significant works within area…

"Texts and Teachers," a truly collaborative, NEH-funded program originating in Brown University's Department of Comparative Literature, is a long-term university/high-school partnership in creating interdisciplinary courses. Sample course titles include "Desire and the Marketplace,""Coming of Age," and "City…

Examines the barriers faced by preschool children with visual impairments in gaining access to the environment and presents some approaches to reducing those barriers. The importance of early identification, early intervention, a team approach for the provision of educational services, and parent participation is discussed. (CR)

Presents a history of undergraduate math-education programs and provides results of an action-research experience in a college-algebra course setting. Argues that historical record emphasizes interdisciplinary connections and applications of mathematics, and that present-day instructors should communicate the historical and practical reasons…

Describes a simulation activity based on the hypothesis that human habitation on Mars is a realistic future public policy issue and a reasonable consequence of space exploration. Uses cooperative learning. (DDR)

School counselors are in a unique position to develop and coordinate transdisciplinary teams providing services to students with disabilities in inclusive settings. This article provides a an overview of three types of multidisciplinary teams, an analysis of the school counselor's roles, and a case scenario for each. (EMK)

Gives brief descriptions and results for three studies funded by the Scottish Office Education and Industry Department (SOEID): "Managing Change in Small Scottish Primary Schools"; "Cost of Pre-School Education Provision"; and "Evaluating Multidisciplinary Education in Health Care." (SAS)