This study explored how teachers and school administrators connect large-scale assessment results with school improvement planning. Using a semi-structured format, 20 teachers and 17 administrators were interviewed from two school districts in southern Ontario, Canada. The interview protocol contained a range of questions related to teaching and…

Asserts that pedagogical research has not studied adequately the effects of long-term parental unemployment on children. Analyzes available studies and the possible reason for lack of research. Suggests research strategies and concepts that may provide information for educational theorizing and the development of educational programs. (Author/GEA)

Although educational theories currently assert a hearty multiculturalism, the gap between theory and instructional practice may never have been greater. This article examines what school practices are being undertaken in the name of multicultural education, teachers' efforts to integrate multiculturalism into the regular curriculum, and teacher…

Presents chapters two and three of TOWARD CIVILIZATION: A REPORT ON ARTS EDUCATION prepared by the National Endowment for the Arts in response to a Congressional mandate calling for an arts education study. Chapter two examines the elementary secondary arts curriculum, and chapter three argues for an enhanced understanding of the arts curriculum.…

If the instructional process is to be more effective, schools and districts should establish a computerized curriculum database that can easily be accessed by educators in schools throughout the district. Such a program would allow teachers to facilitate curriculum management and plan instruction without using traditional curriculum guides.…

Discussed is the research method of "didactic engineering" and the potential theoretical problems of putting research findings into practical use as teaching methods in mathematics classrooms. Cited is the possible incompatibility between the theoretical principles of experimental methods and teachers' conceptions. (MDH)

The battle for communication skills has already been won; the task ahead is to get teachers in the trenches to teach them, either in separate units or in their subject areas. Nine references are listed, and a list of resources for implementing instruction in speaking and listening is provided. (Author/DCS)

Traces the development of outcome-based education and mastery learning, highlighting the work of Ralph W. Tyler and Benjamin S. Bloom. OBE is principally a goal-driven curriculum reform model with definite implications for assessing student learning. Mastery learning is primarily an instructional process to help teachers enhance their teaching…

Asks whether British education in general, and religious education specifically, foster a nationalistic ethic in light of the 1988 Educational Reform Act. Notes worrying trends fostered by government figures toward a more nationalistic ethic. Develops a child-centered, nonauthoritarian, and communitarian model for fostering moral development…

This paper describes the highlights of a review of both commercially available videodiscs and research prototypes that was undertaken for the Interactive Videodisc Project, and sets out design principles suggested by the best examples, which take advantage of the unique characteristics of laser videodisc technology. Design options on three levels…

Local school districts do not figure prominently in contemporary school reform efforts centered at state and school levels. This article examines how two school districts responded to an expanding state role in instructional policy making. Case studies underline districts' key reform role and suggest that state and local instructional policies are…

This report describes the Palenque Project, a highly interactive, multimedia, optical disc research prototype which was developed for home use and tested by observing 25 children in the 9 to 14 year age range and their families and 8 12-year-olds in pairs. It is noted that the project was intended to create a rich, multimedia database environment…

The effects of a school district's testing and evaluation activities cannot be effectively assessed without an understanding of the explicit and implicit goals embedded in the policies and practices of the district. A structured workshop process to elicit a district's intentions related to the effects--uses and impacts--of testing and evaluation…

This paper offers an alternative view of computer applications within classroom education as an initial step in the direction of a more teacher-centered approach to the integration of computer applications into classroom teaching. Accordingly, the view suggested in this paper approaches computer applications within the context of the teaching…

The principal is uniquely positioned to help teachers plan for instruction, especially in the areas of student evaluation and grading. One approach is conducting inservice programs to promote an evaluation-based model of teacher planning incorporating both the objectives- and activities-based planning models. Teachers can then match assessment…