"Saxon Math" focuses on fundamental mathematics skills, targeting children from kindergarten through grade 12. This report focuses on middle school math, defined as grades 6 through 9. The 6th grade curriculum covers simplifying expressions containing parentheses, graphing functions, and understanding ratios and proportions. The 7th…

Comments on the discussion by Ginette Delandshere and Anthony Petrosky of the numerical rating of complex performances in the context of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Early Adolescence/English Language Arts assessment. Conceptualizes the discussion in terms of matching information to purpose in testing. (SLD)

Responds to Susan Brookhart's comments on the discussion of assessing complex performances by Delandshere and Petrosky. Notes that the article focused on the meaning and usefulness of scores or ratings in the context of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards assessments. (SLD)

Examines new opportunities for wireless technologies on the Internet and discusses electronic mail, costs, problems, vendors of cellular modems, improvements, Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) services, high-performance wireless networks, and satellites. Describes type, coverage, approximate speed, availability, and Internet access of major…

Considers the differences between the use of printed materials and Web sites for reference, including technology problems, currency, and lack of depth on the Web. Reviews several examples of quality print reference books related to food, recipes, and culture that are suitable for school libraries. (LRW)

Discusses the top eight educational software titles of the year plus 35 additional programs. Topics include math/problem solving, language arts, science, social studies, classroom management/teacher tools, creative arts, and new versions of older software. (MVL)

Described is an instructional aid that employs artificial intelligence methods to assist students in beginning economics courses to improve their problem-solving skills. Discussed are the rationale, structure, and evaluation of this program. (CW)

Explores possible reasons for the gender differences in mathematics problem-solving strategies found in primary-grade students in the study by E. Fennema and others and considers implications of the findings for mathematics instruction. (SLD)

Considers implications of the findings of the study by E. Fennema and others that boys in the primary grades use different mathematics problem-solving strategies than girls and suggests that equitable mathematics instruction may require specific attention to gender differences and underachieving groups. (SLD)

Reviews research on the purpose and effectiveness of laboratory activities. Discusses epistemology, problem solving, cooperative learning, student involvement, assessment, and teachers as researchers. (YP)

Discusses computer simulations for chemistry courses. Reviews a simulation program, "Evaluation of Bonding Theory: The Werner Jorgensen Controversy," and provides information regarding hardware requirements for the program. Presents the idea of an expert system including simulation modules and counselor modules. Describes some chemical examples, a…

Describes "Studying Children in Context" as a reader- friendly book that situates studying children within the process of conducting qualitative research. Notes strengths including discussion of ethics and methods of data generation and organization, and inclusion of case studies that illuminate researchers' struggles. Notes limitations…

Suggests that an explanation for the differences in mathematics problem-solving strategies found in the study by E. Fennema and others may be simply that the girls in the study population are less interested in mathematics than the boys and explores some implications of this explanation. (SLD)

Topics include the use of light sensitive pens and codes to teach reading to slow readers, blind and learning-disabled children, and children with mental retardation; new booklets and audiovisual programs designed to help professionals, families, and communities cope with problems of today's youth; and a book that examines self-care for children…

Features comments from Robert L. Hampel, William R. Johnson, Diane Ravitch, and David N. Plank on David Tyack and Larry Cuban's book, "Tinkering toward Utopia: A Century of Public School Reform." The book argues that educational reformers in the 20th century have attempted large-scale systemic reforms instituted from the top down. (MJP)