Literacy learning clubs are highly motivating small-group collaborations that can improve tweens' and teens' academic achievement, support their social-emotional development, and increase their enjoyment of reading and writing. This book explains the research basis for the author's approach and offers practical instructions for implementation in…

Standards drive critical elements of the American educational system--the curricula that schools follow, the textbooks students read, and the tests they take. Similarly, standards establish the levels of performance that students, teachers and schools are expected to meet. To succeed in the 21st century, all students will need to perform to high…

Suggests that few teachers understand the debilitating effect that social skill deficits have on a child's daily life. Notes that instructional strategies such as cooperative learning groups and social stories can help children improve their social behavior. Encourages all educators not only to emphasize academics, but also to seize any…

This article addresses the educational needs of fourth-graders who are having reading difficulties, first by briefly discussing the five research-based components of early reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension), and then by recasting these components in terms of instruction of older, struggling students.…

The writing samples presented in this paper were selected from the portfolios of fourth-grade Vermont students as examples of the various points in Vermont's newly revised analytic writing assessment guide. The benchmark writing pieces in the paper, when used with the analytic assessment guide that begins the paper, are guideposts for assessing…

This document presents a model of educational outcomes for learners in grade 4 and the indicators of these outcomes for all students. This includes students identified as having disabilities or developmental delays. The document begins with a presentation of the conceptual model, with Educational Resources (Inputs and Contexts) influencing…

This booklet provides suggestions for possible sources of information for each of the student performance indicators listed in the National Center on Educational Outcomes' conceptual model for students in fourth grade, including students with disabilities. The model has eight outcome domains, each with several outcomes and indicators of outcomes.…

Part of the new Knowledge Essentials series, "Fourth Grade Success" shows parents how to enrich their children's classroom learning and take an active role in their fourth graders' education by exploring: (1) What fourth graders are learning at school and the educational standards to expect in math, language arts, science, and social studies; (2)…

This fifth in a series of seven related teaching guides that together outline a public school district's English language arts curriculum for kindergarten through grade six focuses on a course of study for grade four. The guide explains the district's overall philosophy and teaching goals and the philosophy behind the development of a curriculum…

Part of the "Nutrition Education-Choose Well, Be Well" curriculum series, this guide was developed to help teachers, food service personnel, professionals, and parents provide nutrition education and make nutrition come alive in the classroom, home, or cafeteria. Organized by grade level (from fourth through sixth), activities described…

Why should your school have a Family Math Night?: (1) Help students learn essential math concepts; (2) Give parents a chance to serve as models of motivation, persistence and competence; and (3) Promote math success in a supportive setting. With its step-by-step directions and suggestions for both teachers and parents, this book takes the worry…

Relates the creation of the "Tarheel Museum," created by fourth-grade students in a North Carolina school. Used the creation of a museum to engage students in studying about state history; to incorporate art, music, and physical education into social studies; and to engage special education students. (DSK)

The call for educational reform has caused mathematics curriculum, instruction, and assessment to come under both professional and public scrutiny. The three elements contesting for leadership in assessment reform are the conventional testing agencies, reformers led by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), and political agencies…

This facilitator's guide, and the videotape it accompanies, is designed to demonstrate ways in which the new visions of science education for the 21st century might be translated into classroom practice. The National Research Council's (NRC) National Science Education Standards, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Benchmarks…

The New Mexico Portfolio Writing Assessment for grades 4 and 6 (optional for grade 8) is conducted each school year with a call for each student's best piece in March. All students in grades 4 and 6 participate, unless assessed as Limited English Proficient. This Teacher's Guide provides instructions for procedures to be followed throughout the…