Different regions of the world are making increasing demands for educational reform, especially when institutions are dissatisfied with the level of proficiency of their graduates. Since the realization of how important English education is to global success, reform to English education is becoming progressively vital in societies all over the…

Research shows that professional learning can have a powerful effect on teacher skills and knowledge, and on how well students learn. To be effective, however, professional learning for teachers needs to be conducted in the ways that it is in many high achieving countries--continuously, collaboratively, and with a focus on teaching specific…

Salem-Teikyo University (STU) (West Virginia) has been charged with developing a student assessment plan to be fully implemented by 1995. This report is a first step toward this plan, presenting the perspective, paradigms, possibilities, and a proposal for the assessment of student outcomes. The perspective advocated is that of the Center for…

Overviews a section in the same "Educational Leadership" issue on improving teaching productivity. Highlights Harold Stevenson's article comparing mathematics education in the U.S., China, and Japan and Bruce Joyce's summary and analysis of the research literature on effective instructional strategies. (MLH)

Background material on the history, geography, culture, government, educational system, and everyday life of the Japanese people is presented in this curriculum guide, which is intended as a source book for teachers and administrators who would like to improve their curricular offerings and understandings regarding Japan. Lesson plans at the…

Describes the role of arts education and, specifically, music education in Japanese schools. Outlines the music curriculum and teaching methods in elementary and secondary schools. Describes the role of western music and compares music education in Japan and the United States. (CFR)

Sets forth the essential characteristics of Japan's approach to education, including the content, structure, and objectives of public schools; teaching conditions, teaching methods, and the characteristics of teachers; the role of parents; the role of supplemental private education; and the cultural factos that underlie the system's…

This collection of essays presents a rationale for incorporating teaching about Japan in the K-12 curriculum. The volume provides practical examples and guidelines about how to achieve this goal. The essays are organized into three main categories--professional development, curriculum design and enhancement, and exchange. The essays include:…

Presents a classroom scenario in which music education and social studies topics are integrated. Maintains that the National Standards for Arts Education encourage interdisciplinary approaches. Presents suggested learning activities incorporating topics from social studies and music education. (CFR)

Describes the teacher education programs of the Close Up Foundation. Discusses a week-long Washington, D.C., program that brings students and teachers in contact with elected and appointed public officials, lobbyists, and media representatives. Outlines a summer institutes program and an exchange program for U.S. and Japanese teachers. (CFR)

Describes observations of art education in a Japanese junior high school during a three-month period in 1990. Discusses the teacher's role, classroom environment, course objectives, and teacher-student interaction. Identifies cultural differences and how they affect instructional methods and student achievement. (CFR)