SPARK [Sports, Play, and Active Recreation for Kids], in its current form, is a brand that represents a collection of exemplary, research-based, physical education and physical activity programs that emphasize a highly active curriculum, on-site staff development, and follow-up support. Given its complexity (e.g., multiple school levels, inclusion…

This review of the literature on parental involvement in urban schools is organized into three sections: (1) types of parental involvement; (2) practical involvement activities found in successful urban school programs; and (3) characteristics of successful urban school parental involvement programs. The research reports and surveys reviewed…

Describes Duluth, Minnesota's interdisciplinary program, Project BASIC, which incorporates five major art forms into the elementary curriculum. Schools employ artists-in-residence and in-service training to expand teacher use of arts in the classroom. Results of a research study to measure gains in self-concept and creativity are included. (AM)

This essay explores perspectives on teaching and learning by considering how a particular reform program (Individually Guided Education) is influenced by the social conditions in which it is realized. Individually Guided Education (IGE) is an approach to elementary school reform based on mastery-learning techniques. (DB)

Research has documented that the study of a second language in an elementary school may positively affect the young child's general school achievement and linguistic progress, promote superior performance in high school language study, result in significantly higher mental maturity, make children more language-aware, and improve other cognitive…

The work described started in primary schools in three Welsh counties in September 1981. The project strove to: (1) evaluate currently available commercially produced software and (2) provide a practical introduction to computer use in junior and infant schools. The work involved approximately 2,000 students and 80 teachers. (MP)

Evaluates and describes a training program to improve verbal communication skills in slightly retarded eleven-year-olds. Students described objects to a listener, watched demonstrations of effective communication, and received evaluations of their communication. The program was effective in teaching these children to describe salient features…

Investigates the effectiveness of an individualized, student-centered program designed to increase the language skills of third and fourth grade students. (RB)

The retooling of elementary school teachers in science may provide some relief for the shortage of science teachers. An innovative program is described, with data presented to depict teachers' concerns, state anxiety, and attitudes. (MNS)

The implementation of a computer education program in a Hawaiian school is described. The use of the LOGO programing language is central to the program, and teachers' comments on student behaviors and reactions are included. (MNS)

Two screening questions developed in the study were viewed as invaluable diagnostically and seen as possible immediate value to teachers. The questions were used to group subjects into three different levels. Two instructional programs were developed. One was for the lowest two levels, the other for the highest group. (Author/MP)

The Chapter 1 reading and math program in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, is designed to meet the needs of educationally disadvantaged kindergarten through eighth-grade students at 11 project sites. Each of the identified 1,972 participating students receives approximately 50 minutes of direct supplemental reading and/or math instruction 5 days…

A study described the 1989-90 Chapter 1 Children's Art Carnival Creative Reading program, and assessed the effectiveness of its implementation. The program's primary purpose was to improve literacy through participation in creative arts activities coordinated with instruction in reading and writing. The program served 310 elementary school…

Reviews and compares 10 character education programs, their objectives, pedagogy, and research, revealing their highly diverse theoretical assumptions and pedagogical practices. It suggests that emerging research in the field offers the hopeful promise that theory and practice may be advanced in a systematic manner. (GR)

Profiles for all curriculum research and development projects financed by the Schools Council and which have published reports or other material available to the public are provided in a loose-leaf format. The profiles are grouped under the following broad subject headings: English; Humanities; Languages; Creative Studies; Mathematics; Science;…