Quality teachers are the single greatest determinant of student achievement. Teacher education, ability, and experience account for more variation in student achievement than all other factors. Studies have found that 40 to 90 percent of the difference in student test scores can be attributed to teacher quality. Knowing the subject matter,…

Discusses, analyzes, and provides anecdotes about the calculus reform movement, in general, and the experimental, undergraduate calculus classes at Duke University, in particular. (JJK)

Language and literacy skills are critical to success in school. For low-income preschoolers, increasing early literacy and math skills is vital to closing the achievement gap between them and their more advantaged peers. New research shows that an intentional curriculum and professional development and supports for teachers are important…

This ideabook, designed for middle school and high school teachers, Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) counselors, youth job developers, residential treatment staff, and other youth service providers, suggests ways to increase young people's success in the labor market. It provides specific ideas and strategies to structure…

The overall objective of the "Making Changes" program, which is the subject of this facilitator handbook, is to help immigrant women in Canada establish more meaningful lives, specifically in terms of employment. After briefly describing the content of the program (career planning, information sharing and getting, job search skills, the…

The training program examines the relationship between law enforcement personnel and persons with disabilities. The curriculum is organized into four sections dealing with specific concerns of people with hearing impairments, visual impairments, mental retardation, and mobility impairments. Background information is presented for each disability…

The paper addresses the importance of developing a rural community's commercial sector for economic development by providing some analytical tools. Procedures are outlined to estimate commercial sector activity in a community, to estimate commercial sector activity for various counties within a state (Nevada is used as an example), and to develop…

Intended for those groups contemplating the establishment of any type of literacy services within a community, this resource is designed to help in the analysis of both the need for literacy services within the community and the currently available resources for meeting that need. Five steps are recommended to identify clearly both the needs and…

This portfolio is designed to help volunteers receive credit for the skills they have developed through their volunteer work and to transfer their experience to the paid workplace. The portfolio assists volunteers in keeping records about their experience and in thinking about obtaining a job. The first of the three chapters of the portfolio…

Several examples are provided of criterion checklists, which are defined as documents which include qualities of actions necessary in a desired performance or qualities of elements necessary in a desired product. How and when to use checklists in skill teaching and how to create them are discussed. (MBR)

Presents results of a study of 198 middle managers which was conducted to determine how age relates to competence as assessed by tests following instructional training, and identifies issues regarding test use in assessing employee competence. Results indicate there is a trend for older adults to obtain poorer test scores. (MBR)

This manual is a guide to providing accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities enrolled in vocational and adult general education programs in Florida. The first chapter briefly describes the programs available to students with disabilities, explains the difference between "accommodations" and…

This book is the first in a series of six pocket-sized books written for career changers and laid-off workers. Each book is written at a 7th- to 10th-grade reading level and contains examples, hands-on self-discovery exercises, and step-by-step advice for a successful job search. This book defines a simple strategy for success in getting a job in…

The model workshop described in this paper is intended to present the possibilities of organized self-advocacy for persons with mental retardation or other disabilities. Self-advocacy stresses dignity, respect, and making one's own choices. Information on planning a workshop covers length and size, date and time, speakers, location,…

The booklet offers general suggestions, a quiz, specific activities, and a checklist to increase children's awareness of the needs and characteristics of persons with disabilities. Preferred terminology is explained and ways to provide children with direct experiences with persons with disabilities are suggested. The brief quiz serves both to…