Uses a scale to analyze three tests used for assessing community college students' reading levels: The Stanford Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT), the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (NDRT), and the Iowa Silent Reading Tests (ISRT). Judges the ISRT to be the best and the NDRT to be unacceptable according to the criteria of the scale. (FL)

Urges the use of writing models in content area instruction to demonstrate to students exactly what they are asked to produce and suggests that content area faculty join forces with English faculty in the teaching of composition. (AEA)

Presents a formula for essay writing that forces the student to adopt a point of view from which to analyze and evaluate an author's argument. The format also addresses the problem of organization and mechanics. (HTH)

In an interview, David Hawkins, director of the Mountain View Center for Environmental Education, discusses the approach to elementary science teaching he developed through participating in the Elementary Science Study, observing a similar project in England, working directly with other teachers, and working with children. (PGD)

Provides a brief review of research concerning the relationship between reading and writing, and of instructional strategies suggested by that research. (AEA)

Contributors offer six teaching tips concerning (1) news writing, (2) editing, (3) laboratory time utilization, (4) legal responsibility, (5) telephone interviews, and (6) investigative reporting. (HOD)

The Time-Us Chart is seen as an effective tool for helping the student become aware of how many hours are spent in school, in studying, and in recreation. The Study-Skills Questionnaire evaluates the student's study skills in terms of environment, attitude, and methods. Samples of the two work sheets are included. (SW)

The proverbial language of Spanish provides a resource for teaching and testing various aspects of phonetics, syntax, vocabulary, and cultural features of the language. Incorporation of these features into the Spanish curriculum can enrich the classroom experience. Specific suggestions for their use are provided. (Author/MSE)

Discusses the roles played by student evaluations of teacher performance in the instructional design process; reviews issues related to their use; and outlines suggestions for the construction, administration, and analysis of the questionnaire data by the instructional development consultant. (Author/JJD)

Discusses Gramsci's political education model, which explains the role of education in building an alternative, anti-capitalist cultural formation. Considers the definition of hegemony, the form of pedagogy best serving to develop critical consciousness, Gramsci's break with Marxist-Leninist traditions, and the revolutionary role of the common…

Concrete suggestions for teaching group art lessons to stimulate creative expression are offered, with focus on conducting motivation sessions and providing help during ongoing activities. (MP)

Several major issues related to parent participation are described in the comments of over 1,000 teachers who responded to a survey regarding their practices in the area of parent involvement. Eight issues that may prompt new research in this area are identified. (MP)

An approach to helping children learn mathematics facts that uses standard decks of cards is promoted. Teachers are warned that the methods outlined involve activities that can be noisy, but that pupils are learning while they are relaxing, laughing, and sharing in a good time with their friends. (MP)

Suggesting that listening is a learned behavior, offers a number of techniques to help science teachers develop listening skills in their students. These include speaking loud enough with directness and clarity, emphasizing important material by repetition, and keeping vocabulary on the student level. (Author/JN)

Language arts (oral and written communication), physical education (communication with motor skills), and mathematics (communication with words and symbols), are seen to present the most natural environment for instruction on spatial relations. Activities are suggested which can combine these areas and provide pupils with an enjoyable learning…