How knowledge of children's thinking in mathematics derived from a cognitive science research model was used by a first-grade teacher to make instructional decisions over four years is described. The curriculum, teacher expectations, and method for using research-based knowledge are reviewed, along with the teacher's knowledge and beliefs. (SLD)

Evaluates the effectiveness of a course using a constructivist approach in reducing Dutch secondary school students (n=190) misconceptions about force. Concluded that the lessons were effective in changing students' ideas in regard to forces in rest situations and frictional forces and that learning effects were equally distributed over student…

This review of the past 10 years of computer-based instruction (CBI) with students having mild disabilities notes constraints (such as unrealistic expectations and limited access to hardware and software), and then considers the impact of CBI on curriculum, teacher training, teacher role and attitudes, instructional design, and learning of basic…

Describes using the writing process as an instructional strategy in science classes to encourage critical thinking. (PR)

Access to technology in school can motivate students to become more independent learners, but will have little effect if teachers are technologically illiterate. To be effective, technology must be integrated into the curriculum, and teachers need support and training in the use of technology and related new pedagogical methods. They also need…

Two White Pass School District (Washington) programs increase community cohesiveness despite troubled economic times: (1) the school district offers adult education, utilizes community talent, and hosts community recreation events; and (2) the Forest Service, school district, and community college developed a summer job program for secondary…

Examines how data is useful in three integral areas of media center management and decision making: collection development and budgets, including circulation data and media center usage; curriculum integration and information literacy, including the types of instructional support librarians offer teachers; and staff development and staff skills.…

Maine's gubernatorially appointed Commission on Secondary Education produced eight overarching observations and six core principles governing learning climate, teacher expectations, differentiated instruction, assessment, democratic engagement, and program coherency. This new vision challenges schools and communities to rethink how they assess,…

The interdisciplinary general-curriculum project was designed to develop innovative preclinical generalist curricula in ten medical and osteopathic schools and to encourage generalist careers. After two competitive cycles, much has been learned about interdisciplinary collaboration, recruitment and retention of community preceptors, faculty…

Includes three brief essays responding to the current controversy over the National Standards for United States History. James F. Adomanis defends the standards and decries the media circus. Brian Boland casts a skeptical eye towards trendy educational reforms. Philip Reed Rulon finds the standards arbitrary and restrictive. (MJP)

Summarizes the recent changes in the highly centralized national geography curriculum in Japan. Prominent reforms include the implementation of environmental studies in the elementary schools and a broader emphasis, across the curriculum, on world geography. In teacher education, emphasis is now placed on teaching skills rather than subject…

By law, students with disabilities must have individualized education plans. Physical educators should get involved in making these plans. The paper discusses how they can get involved, how to deal with time constraints which make it difficult to attend teamings, and how to stay involved through open lines of communication. (SM)

This article describes the successful implementation of a technology portfolio process to evaluate the success of teacher candidates in fulfilling International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)/National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) guidelines. It suggests activities to include in such a portfolio. (IAH)

Using music, story, and prayer, this conference presentation describes the African American spiritual experience with curriculum, explaining what African American spirituality is, who African Americans are, why spirituality is critical to African Americans, and where this spirituality is found, then linking it to education. (SM)

Profiles music scholar Charles L. Seeger and his contribution to U.S. musical life. Seeger played a significant role in introducing vernacular music to schools, extending the definition of U.S. music in the curriculum, presenting music as a cultural subject, and promoting musical diversity in the classroom. (MJP)