Provides strategies, designed to achieve a high aural and artistic level, to help students who hear without really listening. Stresses the importance of addressing Standards 6 and 7 of the National Standards for Music Education (CMK)

Provides a strategy, from the book "Strategies for Teaching Specialized Ensembles," that addresses Standard 9A of the National Standards for Music Education. Explains that students will identify and describe the musical and historical characteristics of the classical era in music they perform and in audio examples. (CMK)

Provides information on standards-based educational reform in the United States. Explains that the civics standards recognize the centrality of moral dispositions and values in citizenship but avoid developing these qualities. Presents information on what the public holds important, suggesting that the public wants schools to teach values. (CMK)

Describes the assessment of student learning outcomes in six domains: general education, transfer programs, vocational and occupational education, remedial and developmental education, continuing education, and affective and noncognitive areas. Discusses the use of assessment results and the implications of assessment for external accountability…

This article describes the development of an outcomes-based curriculum for students (ages 2-16) with a range of learning disabilities in a British special school created recently after the amalgamation of three smaller schools. The new curriculum has resulted in positive feedback from teachers, parents, and students. (Contains 5 references.) (CR)

This article describes the three major components of the BIG Accommodation Model, a program that focuses on restructuring traditional instruction through alternative programs designed to accelerate learning in students with disabilities and other students. The components include curricula engineered to accelerate learning; early, intensive…

Describes differences between problems and predicaments. Asserts that top leaders manage predicaments. Describes several paradoxes faced by educational leaders and the predicaments underlying their decision choices that usually result in coping with, rather than resolving the predicaments. Offers suggests for improving educational leaders'…

This article offers guidelines for determining equitable, accountable, and effective grading practices and policies for all students that balance the need for a common set of standards and the individual needs of the students. Purposes of grading, grading systems, and effective instructional practices that support grading processes are discussed.…

Describes how one teacher used peer review to help students understand state content standards. Students held one another accountable for the basics, then she assessed the core content of their work. To get students thinking about standards-based learning, she used a pizza activity. Next, students created rubrics for assessing book reports and…

In this article, the Advanced Placement (AP) Program of the College Board is described. It discusses the quality and standards for AP classes and examines the success of AP students, AP Scholar Awards, and resources for information on the AP program. A list of AP subjects and examinations is provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

Intends to lead music teachers away from the traditional grading method of relying on nonmusical factors such as attendance, effort, and attitude. States that music teachers should grade on student progress in learning specific skills and knowledge in music as outlined in applicable standards (national, state, or local). (CMK)

Describes examinee-centered method for setting multiple cutscores on a test involving both objective and extended-response items. Judges evaluate a representative sample of examinee performance using a rating scale that is defined in terms of performance standards, and these ratings are linked to examinee's test scores to generate a functional…

Reviews notable education books: "The Rise and Fall of the American Teenager" (Thomas Hine); "The Big Test" (Nicholas Lemann); "The Educated Child" (William Bennett); "Lost Boys" (James Garbarino); "The Schools Our Children Deserve" (Alfie Kohn); "Ready or Not" (Kay Hymowitz); "High…

An escalated curriculum and higher standards are leaving some high-school students even further behind. Even with superior instruction, some students are not chronologically, developmentally, or academically ready to succeed in a particular grade. Principals must identify which students need an additional year of schooling and provide feasible…

In a recent report, EdSource examines how Californians' concern for teacher quality has created new tensions. The desire for stronger accountability and better teacher evaluation standards can compete (when allocating time, attention, and money) with the need for higher quality professional development. Accountability and teacher skills are…