Notes specific concerns with Dickinson's (2002) assertion that the processes used to measure the quality of out-of-home care for young children have begun to lag behind recent developments in the field and that there is a lag in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's accreditation standards. Questions the usefulness of…

This article describes the positive outcomes of a 3-week residential program on mathematics problem solving for gifted rising high school seniors. The program incorporated a curriculum that integrated five process standards espoused by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics including problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication,…

The media's ebonics hysteria has sparked a national debate concerning the failure of the nation's urban schools to serve African American and other minority students' needs. Oakland Unified School District's systemic reform of curricula and standards hinges on new teaching practices exploiting the connections among language, literacy, and…

Argues that rigorous, detailed academic standards are driving school improvement efforts instead of student needs as voiced by the students themselves. Offers support, through student interviews, for the notion that a challenging, integrative, and exploratory curriculum should be the standard for developmentally responsive practice and that this…

Points out the following problems with standardized testing and reforms at the middle school level: (1) misalignment of test-based reforms and standards-based reforms; (2) geographic disadvantages; and (3) disadvantages for learning disabled. Presents example of two students' standardized test scores as illustrations of the non-alignment problem.…

This article discusses how Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) can be taught to gifted students in grades 4-9 using hands-on activities that align to the National Science Standards. Principles of magnetic levitation, advantages of magnetic levitation, construction of a Maglev project, testing and evaluation of vehicles, and presentation of the unit are…

This article discusses forces driving mathematics reform: shifting theoretical paradigms, disappointing levels of mathematics performance of students in the United States, and the impact of rapidly changing technologies. Concerns about this reform from the special education community are discussed, and synthesized special education research…

Focuses on the use of children's and young adult literature in the social studies classroom, addressing the New York state standards at the third- to sixth-grade levels. Provides an annotated bibliography of books that can be utilized in areas, such as U.S. and world history. (CMK)

Claims that standards-based tests neither measure skills and knowledge accurately nor help educators do a better instructional job. The article offers suggestions in four areas to make the tests contribute to improved instruction: measurement of content standards; descriptions of standards; standard-by-standard reporting; and locally administered…

Addresses teacher qualifications and certification as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. Teachers must know the subjects they teach. Briefly discusses teacher-preparation programs; teacher-retention rates; different pathways into teaching; teacher pay; and districts' role in assigning out-of-field teachers. (Contains three graphs.) (WFA)

Medical school faculty cite the fear of litigation as a reason for their reluctance to offer candid evaluations of students' and residents' performances and to dismiss them when necessary. Three legal issues are addressed: fair and equitable treatment, due process, libelous and defamatory performance evaluations, etc. (Author/MLW)

America's preeminence hinges on students' ability to think globally and on a newly developed, homegrown labor force. The elderly, women, and minorities need to be properly utilized and instead of lowering standards for school children, standards must be raised. (MLW)

Many colleges are expanding their traditional programs to promote exchange of students and faculty members and explore new arrangements with colleges abroad. Some observers say American institutions are moving too fast to meet demands for American-style education and do not adequately oversee operations overseas. (MSE)

The New Jersey High School Proficiency Test--a new, more rigorous competency test required for high school graduation in New Jersey--was evaluated for three years of its use. The impact of the state's testing program on curriculum, high school graduation, state compensatory education funding, and district certification is discussed. (SLD)

Reviews the history of economics education, focusing on the efforts of the National Council on Economic Education and Junior Achievement. Discusses similarities and differences in the two organizations. Presents a list of current instructional materials for economics education. (CFR)