Identifies four components of a quality visual arts program. Discusses four components of leadership necessary to develop and maintain such a program. Includes a table describing 12 leadership skills. (CFR)

The direction provided by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics'"Professional Teaching Standards," in the section on evaluating-teaching standards, is considered with respect to the issues of context, the definition of good teaching, and the link between mathematics and pedagogy. (MDH)

This study reports on the science achievement and attitudes of seventh- and eighth-grade students whose teachers were considered exemplary. Results show that this group of students, compared to national populations, had higher scores in science knowledge and more positive science attitudes. These students need opportunities to make connections…

Reviews and compares "Gender and Mathematics" edited by Leone Burton and Valerie Walkerdine's book "Schoolgirl Fictions" on proposed truths related to gender issues in mathematics. Issues include (1) attention given to boys and girls in mathematics class; (2) the effects of noncompetitive classroom environments; and (3) sex differences in…

Two studies are reported in which supervisor observations of teachers' performance rate and accuracy were found to result in positive changes in teacher performance and the behaviors of their severely handicapped students (ages 6-21), when compared with baseline supervisor observations that did not specify rate and accuracy feedback. (Author/JDD)

New York State physical educators completed surveys regarding moonlighting. About 83 percent reported some moonlighting, and over half held several moonlighting jobs; most held multiple school jobs. The most common reasons for moonlighting during school were professional responsibility and enjoyment. They did not believe it detracted from…

The patterns of thought and behavior used by a teacher as he "created" a discussion with a group of gifted/talented children were examined. A cognitive map illustrates the techniques used to further the discussion. The teacher's use of professional practical knowledge (knowledge about teaching that was gained from experience) is…

Synthesizes research on teaching expertise from physical education and other fields, offering two examples of expertise-related topics in physical education (the importance of personal performance skills and observational skills). The paper discusses cognitive, behavioral, and mixed indicators of expertise. Methodological problems in undertaking…

Four expert high school special education resource teachers were observed providing classroom instruction. Content analysis of postobservation interview transcripts was used to identify the presence of 124 reflective practice indicators in the subjects' instructional decisions: 49 for personal responsibility, 39 for testing, and 36 for problem…

Considers the various meanings of action research historically and as it is currently manifested. Notes that, in attempting to define action research and to use it for the diverse goals of teacher professionalization, improved knowledge, and social justice, researchers sometimes overlook teachers' struggles with implementation and outside…

Contends that geographers in North America, Australia, continental Europe, and developing nations generally teach larger classes than do British geographers. Asserts that British higher education is being transformed from an elite system to a mass educational system. Presents suggestions for teaching large classes. (CFR)

Reviews research on the personal dimensions of teaching and how teaching can be enriched by conceiving of it as a reflective and moral practice. Concludes that teacher behaviors can translate specifically into enacted social values such as civility, effort, and appreciation of subject-matter. (CFR)

A microanalytic description of teachers' interactions with children suggests that the sociomoral atmospheres of three types of classrooms differ considerably. Children in the direct-instruction classroom experience an almost totally unilateral relationship with the teacher; in the constructivist classroom, there is more reciprocity and intimacy;…

DeVries' study of sociomoral development in direct-instruction, eclectic, and constructivist kindergartens is critiqued. Additional research in such areas as class-to-class and child-to-child variations and interpersonal negotiations in nonclassroom contexts is recommended. (LB)

Discusses the many different things teachers can do with book introductions to give children better access to a new story so that they can read it fluently and independently at the first reading. (MG)