Outlines specific steps for implementing and validating a qualitative methodology designed to evaluate rural areas' special education programs serving students with severe special needs. Provides a rationale for use of the elements of aesthetic criticism as the basis of the methodology and discusses practical limitations and usefulness of the…

This article describes procedures to be followed in developing a system for observation of teachers in the classroom and use of the observation to evaluate teachers. A list of criteria is presented, including various types of validity, measurement characteristics, and practicality characteristics for observation systems. (Author/LMO)

Based on data gathered in a participant observation project that focused on young children's behaviors during school structured literacy tasks, a study examined the relationship between learning to write and learning to perform school writing tasks. (HOD)

Describes an instructional experiment aimed at helping sixth-graders sustain reflective thought processes in composition independently. Instruction included modeling of thinking aloud, clue use stimulating self-questioning, and direct strategy instruction emphasizing dialectical synthesis of conflicting ideas. Results indicate gains were made at…

This study examined classroom behavior of 393 pupils in 26 educable mentally retarded classrooms in regard to differential effects of having approximately 12, 15, and 19 pupils per classroom. Several effects were found in attention and communication, but relatively few were found in disruptive behavior. (Author/BS)

Explores specific classroom language used by students for whom English is a second language. (HOD)

Describes a study conducted to determine training needed by teachers and upper elementary children to operate videodisc player and remote control unit, assess appropriateness of an experimental videodisc, and determine teachers' and children's attitudes. Also describes an observational study of four classes using the videodisc in a laboratory…

Describes a video monitoring technique for detailed analysis of student use of computer-based learning programs which produces a synchronized record of computer output and student use; a study concerned with developing computer-based learning programs in chemistry which utilizes the technique; and advantages and disadvantages of the technique.…

Analyzes some examples of classroom interaction from observation of English as a second language (ESL) teachers in Japanese classrooms. Analysis of the data shows that lessons often seem to pass from meaningless activity to silence and that ESL teachers continue to emphasize form over meaning and accuracy over communication. (SED)

Translates research concerning direct and nondirect instruction into workable patterns by clustering teacher behaviors included in instructional organization and management and describing teacher as center of attention in classroom. Rationale for patterns of instruction, description and example of how they may be used, and an observation…

Presents a teacher evaluation model based on the use of an effective teaching criteria list. Includes two schematic figures. (MD)

Reviews research on poetry in the classroom. The first part concentrates on findings that emphasize the importance of the individual teacher; the second part presents teachers', students', and observers' perception on what it is that a good poetry teacher does. (HOD)

Using evidence drawn from classroom observations of grades eight and 11, the article addresses the question: If content area teachers are not implementing the methods that reading educators suggest, what are the characteristics of existing instruction? (HOD)

Investigates the antecedents of individual differences in cognitive/language competence for 121 24-month-olds who were also assessed at 6 and 13 months. Warm verbal interactions between mother and child at three ages were associated with child competence at 24 months. Socioeconomic status was also modestly correlated. (Author/CB)

The elements of a good evaluation system are reviewed. It should be well planned, carefully implemented, reviewed annually by teachers and administrators, and have the support of all parties concerned. (MD)