Evaluation of a Wisconsin initiative compared academic progress in three types of smaller K-3 classes (15 students per teacher) with that in comparison schools. Smaller classes had fewer discipline problems, more time for instruction and individualization, varied instructional strategies, and more content and in-depth coverage. (Contains 10…

Ralston (Nebraska) High School's restructuring was helped by participation in the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development's consortium. Ralston faculty led the change process, holding students to higher standards, altering curriculum beyond arbitrary subject limitations, changing the school year, and increasing staff expertise with…

The reading workshop is not based on ability groups, but provides a venue to focus on each student's strengths and needs. Components include a teacher-sharing time, focus lesson, state-of-the-class conference, self-selected reading and responding time, and student-sharing time. (MLH)

Describes multiple intelligences, personality types, and learning styles. Identifies online instruments for identifying them. Gives strategies for teaching each type. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

The third in a series defining the field of distance education and its related concepts, this article focuses on flexible education, a term closely associated with open education. Discussion includes flexibility, autonomy and learner control; individualizing instruction; and management of instruction and instructional management software. (AEF)

Suggests fundamental changes are needed so that teachers can personalize instruction and schools can address barriers to learning; and the time is opportune for schools and classrooms to truly become the center and guiding force for all planning. Discusses six fundamentals that permeate all efforts to improve schools and schooling and that should…

Examines the effect of message source on message recall and perceived credibility in a study comparing two different computer-tailored bulletins promoting fruit and vegetable consumption among rural African American church members. An expert oriented (EXP) bulletin was compared with a spiritual oriented (SPIR) bulletin. The majority of both groups…

This study attempted to ascertain commonalities and differences in critical program practices among nationally known, validated educational programs for young children with autistic spectrum disorders. Areas of agreement among programs included early intervention, individualization, specialized curriculum, family involvement, systematic…

How has technology affected student achievement? There is a never-ending and misunderstood debate regarding technology integration that revolves around two main factors. First, the definition of student achievement has changed. Information technology literacy is now part of the skill set students will need to be successful, bringing with it a…

Firms increasingly use external vendors to provide training for their employees. And because trust has been found to be essential in successful interfirm relationships, this study identified a number of factors thought to be associated with both self-interested trust and socially oriented trust between firms and their training suppliers. Using…

This article discusses how the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504, least restrictive environment (LRE) relate to physical education placement and services. More specifically, the Individual Education Program (IEP) is explained with suggestions for initial screening, referral, and assessment. Ten levels of service…

An algebra teacher changes the dynamics of her classroom by recognizing the conflict between students wanting the freedom to make their own decisions and teachers wanting to limit that freedom and wanting to control the students. The adoption of self-paced classroom instruction where students had to master each concept before proceeding to the…

Music teachers are used to finding creative methods for accomplishing large tasks in spite of overwhelming obstacles, such as an insufficient budget and limited time. Yet, when it comes to incorporating technology into the classroom, many allow these obstacles to get the best of them. Finding ways to use computers in the classroom with limited…

To effectively differentiate instruction, a teacher needs to: (1) collect information about students; (2) manage all the data; (3) plan instruction based on the students' readiness level, interests, and/or learning profile; and (4) communicate with students, other teachers, and parents. Formative assessment is a key component of differentiated…

Instructional strategies make a difference in whether students are engaged in learning and are profiting from their time in class. High schools, technology centers and middle grades schools are encouraging teachers to adopt new teaching techniques and are providing opportunities for teachers to work together to improve their instructional skills…