A methodology developed as an alternative to conventional institutional classification structures, intended to reduce the limitations of those models, is described. Ways in which the methodology can be used for planning, administrative, and research purposes are discussed, as are the dangers in using "peer groups" for institutional…

Describes the conceptual model of newborn organization underlying the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Argues that while the NBAS allows for the identification of an individual's behavioral repertoire, attempts to synthesize the resulting data have been plagued with difficulties. Briefly outlines an alternative model for…

This study of the influence of critic teachers on the values of student teachers over year-long periods suggests that preservice teachers should be assigned to many different critic teachers with varying philosophical positions on education and schooling during the field experience. (MB)

Describes a study designed to identify the specific needs (as identified by administrators and charge nurses) of nurses' aides and to determine the appropriateness for inclusion in an inservice training program. (WL)

Examined free recall of kindergartners and third and eighth graders. The use of organizational strategies, which was demonstrated by third and eight graders, led to increased performance only for eighth graders. These results suggest a phase in strategy development when production of a strategy results in little benefit in performance. (LB)

Proposes use of parallel computing systems to overcome the computationally intense clustering process. Results show some near linear speed up in higher threshold clustering applications, meeting the requirements to classify, group and process large document sets within nonprohibitive execution times. Includes graphs and charts. (JAK)

Explores the responses of teachers and parents to a trial of 'cluster grouping' (gifted students grouped together in a mixed ability class) as a model to meet the needs of exceptional students in a junior secondary school. Identifies factors impacting the school's Cluster Group Project. Discusses the results. (CMK)

Explores the use of cluster programs as alternatives to the curricular core or distributional requirements for organizing general education. Uses a case study methodology to evaluate the planning processes utilized in curriculum development for a cluster program, where faculty must plan simultaneously at individual course, cluster or sequence, and…

This article examines cluster grouping as a viable option for meeting the needs of gifted and talented students. It also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of cluster grouping from the perspective of conclusions obtained through the implementation of cluster grouping in an elementary school district. (Contains references.) (CR)

Race-inclusive admissions policies are important tools for attaining equitable access to selective colleges and universities. However, access to such institutions does not begin at the point of admissions. Rather, it depends on an interaction between the K-12 system and university admissions policies that may either mitigate inequalities or…

Editor-in-chief James Morrison interviews Joel Barker and Scott Erickson, co-authors of the book "Five Regions of the Future: A New Way to Think about Technology". In their book, the authors propose an ecological model that classifies technology according to different clusters or regions, each of which entails its own perspective of technology and…

A skills model and clustering system are presented, based on the assumptions that the tasks of all work, including scholarship, require many similar skills that can be identified and clustered. Six levels of competency are addressed: possession, combination, application, quantity, quality, and mastery. These skills can be clustered into adaptive…

A brief discussion of a school/life model of career development, designed to provide for elimination of curriculum overlap, consistent evolution and integration of the career education concept, and understanding and communication with participating staff, is presented in this document. Eight elements are listed representing the main factors…

Research supported by Public Health Research Grant MH-10274-4 from the National Institute of Mental Health.

Two studies were performed to investigate the effects of material and task variations in the acquisition of cognitive learning strategies. Groups of undergraduate students were taught to use mental imagery, meaningful elaboration, and grouping. The type of training task or the order of training and test materials differed for each of the…