Celebrating the Illinois Reading Council's 25th anniversary year, this 2-part monograph presents 11 papers on diverse aspects of reading and literacy. Papers in the first part, called "Historical Reflections and Challenges," are: "The Illinois Reading Council Celebrates 25 Years" (John W. Logan); "The 'Illinois Reading…

A study was performed at the College of the Canyons, in Valencia, California, to compare the perceptions of students in basic skills courses with those of their teachers regarding the appropriateness of the recommended course placement in English as a Second Language (ESL), basic English, and basic math. A 10-question student survey and a…

An evaluation was conducted of the effectiveness of California's Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN) Program, a statewide initiative aimed at increasing the employment and self-sufficiency of recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Based on 2 years of follow-up data for 33,000 people who entered GAIN between early 1988 and…

Parents in affluent communities have been following the suggestion of research and delaying kindergarten entry of their young age-eligible children in order to increase the likelihood of the child's academic success. This study examined the correlation between the chronological age of a child entering kindergarten and his or her performance on…

This book tells the story of immigrant students as they learn about the United States and being American in school. It also tells the stories of the teachers who teach them, the educators who have shaped their educational program, and their English-speaking, U.S.-born schoolmates. These stories are told in the context of an urban high school in…

The purpose of the South Carolina Center for Teacher Recruitment (SCCTR) is to provide leadership in identifying, attracting, placing, and retaining well-qualified individuals for the teaching profession in South Carolina. In doing so, SCCTR strives to respond to changing needs for teachers from underrepresented populations, in critical subject…

Tracking is a predominant method used by American public schools to instruct children of multiple abilities. Tracking has been highly criticized by scholars, however, for its detrimental effects on children's education. This paper investigates practitioners' rationale for using tracking and explores the effects of tracking in the classroom and on…

Using Ohio as a case study, this paper explores what can be learned from state data systems about spending on special education. The analyses and discussion in this paper use data sets for the 1995-96 school year provided by the Ohio Department of Education. The case study examined factors that need to be considered in measuring special education…

A disproportionately high number of minority students are referred by general education teachers for placement in special education. Teacher perception of social skills and problem behaviors of African American male students with and without identified disabling conditions was studied with 44 African American urban male students in grades 3, 4,…

This staff brief is designed to help policymakers make recommendations for the improvement in educational and related services provided to visually impaired children and adults in the state by public school districts, the Wisconsin School for the Visually Handicapped (WSVH), and other educational agencies. Part 1 provides a brief overview of…

These proceedings present five papers and other highlights of a symposium held to stimulate efforts to provide continuity and support for children and families in transition from early childhood to early elementary school programs. These papers are included: (1) "Connecting with Preschools: How Our Schools Help (and Fail to Help) Entering…

This paper addresses the major issues beginning teachers face in their first postings to rural areas in Australia. The issues go beyond pedagogy. Beginning teachers need to understand social factors affecting rural communities so they can link lessons to the realities experienced by students. Geographic isolation affects the provision of education…

This English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) assessment kit was designed for use by teachers and program managers who are involved in the initial interview, assessment, and referral of students and who are responsible for placement of learners in programs and classes. Its aims are to help the interviewer to: (1) identify the relative priority of…

This user manual describes procedures for using Version 3.0 Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs) software and provides information about the hardware required to operate it. The software features the College-Level Mathematics (CLM) test, Seamless Serial Testing branching capabilities, new system installation and uninstallation procedures, and new…

This report, in two volumes, contains recommendations and supporting documentation for restructuring mental health services to Texas' children with an emphasis on the cost effectiveness of developing accountable school and community based services, family centered prevention services, and early intervention services. Major mental health issues for…