The content standards define what Louisiana students should know and be able to do in the English language arts in order to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in the 21st century. The content standards demonstrate an expanded definition of literacy--one that includes not only knowledge and application of subject matter, but also the…

This qualitative inquiry examines preservice teachers' cases describing their reflective thinking, hopes, concerns, problems, and achievements as they address the complexities of devising and offering literacy-based arts lessons to students in two urban elementary schools. The researchers examined and categorized 203 teaching cases written by 8…

Through a comprehensive review of various afterschool programs across the United States, this resource provides a practical overview of the research and best practices that can be easily adapted and applied in the development of highly effective afterschool programs. chapters focus on: (1) "Why Afterschool Programs?" (benefits, challenges, and…

This publication from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) is designed to inform parents about the department's Grade Four curriculum standards in four major areas: language arts/reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. The integrated language arts/reading standards enable students to differentiate fact from opinion and…

Thinkback is a new instructional process that uses "thinking aloud" strategies developed by Arthur Whimbey and derives its name from the technology of instant video playback. Thinkback is a generalization of techniques described in the program "Problem Solving and Comprehension," which has been used for more than 20 years. The…

A study ascertained the effectiveness of color-coded subject-predicate cards and learning strategies to teach language skills to middle school students at risk for academic failure. The 17 seventh-grade students significantly improved their scores on sentence type and subject-predicate identification as well as their academic grade in Language…

Suggesting that students in the primary grades can explore the world around them and practice valuable skills in spelling, reading, writing, communication, and language, this book presents cross-curricular units on the environment that reach diverse needs by working through emotional memory, deductive reasoning, and multiple intelligences.…

This preliminary study of 20 contemporary realistic fiction books for youth, in middle school and above, analyzed images of poverty using a framework adapted from the work of Robert Leahy. Findings are related to demographics, images of poverty and emerging themes. Results indicate that, as a whole, the sample of books rely on concrete images of…

"Learning" magazine evaluated computer software marketed in 1982 for: (1) accuracy of content; (2) quality of instructional design; (3) audience suitability; (4) creative use of technology; and (5) value of instructional information. Judging included field-tests with students. Award-winning products are listed by subject area, along with other…

Described are 16 successful education projects in 11 states. Some are supported by local or state funds; others are approved by the National Diffusion Network, meaning that they have been statistically validated as effective and receive federal funds to train teachers in replicating the project at minimum cost. Addresses are available for further…

Twenty-five outstanding new computer software programs for drill and practice, simulation, and tutoring are reviewed. Programs deal with classroom management and with the teaching of language arts, computer literacy, social studies, science and logic, and mathematics. (PP)

Discusses findings of previous studies concerning the teaching of standard English to nonstandard speakers. Examines implications of and possible solutions to the problem of negative attitudes in language learning. Stresses the need for resource materials that incorporate principles and methodologies of language arts instruction for nonstandard…

An account of Project Measure (Mason City, Iowa, High School) and how this computer bank of test items helps journalism students to develop their skills in the areas of mathematics and language arts. (RL)

Challenges facing the developers of computer assisted instruction (CAI) for language instruction are presented along with sample programed lessons. (MP)

Reviewed are 14 recent programs, texts, supplements, kits, and teacher references in reading, writing, and language skills, including the "Passport Series," a literature/composition program for grades 9-12, and "The Amazing Adventures of Harvey Crumbaker," a supplementary program for improving basic competency skills in secondary students.…