Mechanics courses at West Virginia University are taught exclusively from programed instructional materials. Presents: (1) descriptions of these courses; (2) data indicating higher achievement by students participating in programed courses compared to students in courses using the lecture method; and (3) reasons for the success of the courses. (DH)

Reviews studies which focused on various aspects of pre-college student science training programs, pointing out that the programs have had impact on such areas as facilitating academic and career opportunities, increasing subject matter competencies, increasing laboratory skills, changing attitudes in a positive direction, and enhancing students'…

The Poudre School District (Colorado) offers instrumental music to students beginning the summer before seventh grade. Throughout junior high school and high school, emphasis is on ensemble work and on performances. The program provides all students with an opportunity to participate at their levels of interest. (CS)

Meta-analysis techniques were used to synthesize research on the effectiveness of three major activity-based elementary science programs: (1) the Elementary Science Study, (2) Science--A Process Approach, and (3) the Science Curriculum Improvement Study. Implications for both widespread adoption and curricular decisions, as well as long term…

To prepare military and civilian engineers for middle and upper-level engineering management positions, the Air Force Institute of Technology offers a masters-level graduate engineering management program for the United States Air Force and other organizations. A study of this program's effectiveness, as perceived by graduates and their…

Findings from four studies reveal that: administrators enjoy the deregulation of Chapter 2 but are concerned about audits and evaluation; a wide variety of fund distribution formulas exists; expenditures were heavy for computers; and private school participation has increased. (MLF)

College students were studied to determine if taking a communication skills course increased actual communication skills. Videotape feedback was used to assess changes in skills of students. A discussion of sex differences and treatment-group differences is offered for educators. (DF)

Proposes the use of an adaptive inservice model, which describes the mechanisms by which educational change and professional growth occur. Argues that to implement effective inservice programs based on the adaptive model, the program must be systematic, long-term, and guided by a common set of goals and expectations. (FL)

Program evaluation is a process of determining program performance for the purpose of improvement. Objectives essential to an effective program are accountability, public support, legitimacy, and communication of results. As a political tool, program evaluation must involve participants in the evaluation and decision-making processes of allocating…

The major components of the dual job pattern of physical education teacher and athletic coach are explored in this article. Recommendations for maintaining effective performance in both roles are suggested. (DF)

This book provides an explanation of sustained silent reading, why it is important, and how to implement it in school and classroom programs. The book presents an overview of underlying research and reviews eight essential factors ensuring a program's success, explicitly identifying them and explaining how they may be incorporated. The factors…

This guide examines claims for 24 schoolwide programs-- programs that promise to improve student learning by changing the entire school. Focusing on quantitative achievement measures such as test scores, grades, and graduation rates, the report was prepared for educators and others to assist them in their investigation of different approaches to…

Curriculum developers should consider middle level learners' needs for intellectual growth and individual attention and their needs to understand themselves and know others. (MLF)

Describes an independent reading program for gifted students used by the the Blue Mountain Union Schools in Wells River, Vermont. (JL)

The first of three articles covering child nutrition programs discusses how these programs can be integrated into the school environment through effective management and public relations. (MLF)