An organizational climate that provides a participating atmosphere for students, teachers, and parents is essential to the success of an educational program. Describes one junior high school principal's efforts to create such a climate in his school. (Editor/RK)

The Middlebury Undergraduate German Language Program is described as a model for a Total Immersion Foreign Language Training program. German is the language of communication, both in and outside of the classroom. Lesson structure, materials and testing are described. (CHK)

Describes a three-week, six credit, summer institute in New Brunswick designed to expose preservice teachers to the evolving understandings of giftedness and gifted learners. A survey of 25 participants indicates the institute was most successful in changing teachers awareness of giftedness and recognizing gifted learners' needs. (CR)

The Learning Enhancement and Progression (LEAP) clinic is an eight-week summer extension to the University of Wisconsin (Eau Claire) teacher education program. The LEAP clinic has provided remedial instruction to more than 600 school-age children over the last 15 years. Five components involved are advanced preparation; teacher training;…

Describes how 20 teachers enrolled in a three-week summer course on literacy assessment, through their own experiences and work in the course, internalized the theory that when students are given the opportunity to evaluate themselves, their learning is more meaningful and more permanent, their work demonstrates real commitment, and they value…

Describes and critiques a National Endowment for the Humanities-funded summer graduate program at the University of Minnesota for preservice and inservice teachers of French, German, and Spanish. The program combines a language immersion approach in content-based classes with a pedagogical component. (Author/JL)

This study examined effects of a summer reading instruction program as part of an 8-week summer day camp experience for 61 disadvantaged first grade children. Two hours of direct explicit reading instruction daily were supplemented with a literacy-rich camping experience. Post-tests indicated the experimental group not only obviated usual summer…

Notes that student learning declines or remains stagnant during the summer months and that the magnitude of change differs by socioeconomic status. Explains a summer reading program called Continued Connections which used a converted recreational vehicle as a mobile classroom. Concludes that this program helped students increase their reading…

Interviewed Chinese English-as-a-Second-Language students enrolled in a summer program and faculty members teaching these students. Data revealed a number of effective strategies instructors might use to teach these students, including homogeneous grouping, a structured classroom environment, and incorporating instruction on American culture and…

Presents a model of professional development that is suited to the inservice Spanish teacher with limited time and financial resources. Details a summer program for Spanish teachers in Venezuela that combines an immersion experience with an advanced methodology course emphasizing a standards-based approach to curriculum development. (Author/VWL)

In Alabama's Black Belt counties, two organizations collaborate to recruit and prepare rural minority and disadvantaged students for health care careers. Premedical students and other college students in the programs shadow health professionals, visit medical schools, complete health projects, participate in summer seminars and tutorials, receive…

Describes the activities and objectives of an intensive summer institute on language awareness for elementary school teachers. Evaluation of the institute included home school visits and found two benefits of the institute: (1) increased awareness and tolerance for language and cultural differences, and (2) significant practical applications of…

The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts is a summer residential program for high-school students talented in creative writing, visual arts, theatre, music, and dance. The School's internship component offers in-service education and preparation of art educators in the area of gifted education, in conjunction with Furman University. (JDD)

Consists of seven articles on the theme of summer agricultural education programs. Topics discussed include (1) Future Farmers of America, (2) supervised occupational experience programs, (3) alternative strategies for secondary agricultural programs, (4) information gathering and program planning, and (5) summer program accountability. (CH)

A study involving 38 junior-high students and their matched controls found that use of Scholastic Aptitude Test cutoff levels was valid for determining entrance into fast-paced summer classes which were teacher-paced (in this case, literature), but not necessarily valid for motivated students in self-paced classes (in this case, algebra).…