To receive a Texas elementary teacher certification, all elementary education majors must demonstrate a basic understanding of music and perform minimal musical skills. In addition, students should be able to write and teach music lessons built around the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Music. These Music TEKS are focused on four…

A brief introduction states the purpose of and summarizes the five presentations made at a Southwest Educational Development Laboratory Regional Exchange (SEDL/RX) Project conference and notes that the SEDL/RX publication, "Evaluation of Educational Software: A Guide to Guides," was produced for use as a reference guide by participants…

Describes results of a survey of teachers belonging to the Texas Computer Education Association that was conducted to determine whether authoring tools were being used to develop software for computer-assisted instruction (CAI). Teachers' prior computer education and experience are examined, and the selection of authoring tools is addressed. (six…

Briefly describes a workshop model developed by the Texas Learning Technology Group to educate teachers about technology uses in the science curriculum. Highlights include hands-on experience, cooperative small group activities, print and electronic courseware, and implementation strategies. (LRW)

The Computer-Assisted Job Skill Evaluation (CAJSE) project was conducted to develop an evaluation software instrument that could be used in career and technical education programs throughout Texas to provide immediate performance evaluations in vocational-technical and career education. Ten instructors selected from vocational-technical education…

Describes the use of computer labs in a Texas high school. Highlights include word processing; a study skills course; software programs currently in use by English and English-as-a-Second-Language classes; physical layout, including security considerations and furniture; hardware, including printers; and guidelines for the selection of software.…

Describes a successful school model that is piloting computer hardware and software while reviewing and modifying classroom strategies and instructional techniques. Discusses the purpose of the school and a typical day of instruction. Lists results for the fifth and sixth grades. (MVL)

In addition to acquiring an appropriate undergraduate degree and passing a subject area ExCET exam, preservice teachers in Texas are required to pass the Professional Development Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET PD) to become certified teachers. This study was designed to examine the effects of a 5-week WebCT online…

The constructionist concept of social negotiation of meaning recognizes peer interaction and feedback as an important factor for expanding meaning. This concept has particular relevance in the context of developing habits of reflective thinking in teacher preparation programs. This article describes an approach to increasing opportunities for peer…

Describes the use of a telecommunications network by elementary school students in Texas for doing extra-credit homework. A pilot project in an innercity school that used equipment provided by a local corporation is described, use of the network during summer vacation is examined, and expansion of the program is discussed. (six references) (LRW)

"The Long-Range Plan for Technology" was adopted by the Texas State Board of Education in November 1988. This progress report details accomplishments through August 1992 in the following categories: (1) hardware procurement and purchase; (2) courseware adoption and provision; (3) training and certification; (4) delivery systems; and (5)…

Describes a study that provided innercity fourth grade African-American students in Texas with hardware to participate in a telecommunications network to determine whether participation would increase their scores on statewide fifth grade math tests. Time online, content of programs, connections between math and language arts, and student…

A study examined current usage of microcomputers, projected software needs, and teacher inservice training needs in Texas vocational agriculture programs. Questionnaires were mailed to each of the 922 vocational agriculture departments in Texas. Data from the 446 usable instruments returned were tabulated by geographical area and school size.…

This instructional guide is designed to teach vocational and technical instructors how to modify existing programs and develop new programs to apply computer graphics to selected vocational and technical programs. Addressed in the individual units of the guide are the following topics: vocational program modification (course modification for…