The sensitivity of marginal maximum likelihood estimation of item and ability (theta) parameters was examined when prior ability distributions were not matched to underlying ability distributions. Thirty sets of 45-item test data were generated. Conditions affecting the accuracy of estimation are discussed. (SLD)

Relates a classroom teacher's observations of how students, working in pairs, help each other to move forward in the writing process. Describes the experiences of an English teacher using journals to teach writing to inner-city teenagers. Outlines the teacher's expectations, the steps of journal writing, and goals for becoming a better teacher.…

Explores the field of adolescent development as a rationale for the use of reader-response pedagogy in the secondary literature classroom. Discusses reader-response theory and pedagogy, adolescent cognitive and affective development in the secondary schools, and the implementation of a reader-response secondary English curriculum. (PRA)

This study of 439 pupils (grades 1-8) referred for special education evaluation found that both parents and teachers referred primarily for academic reasons. Parents referred higher functioning pupils than teachers referred. White parents were more likely than minority parents to refer their children, but teachers were more likely to refer…

Discusses the impact that Chancellor Joseph Fernandez has had on the New York City school system. Discusses his ideological beliefs, which include school-based management and accountability. Comments on Fernandez's personal style and how this has affected his relationships with teachers, parents, principals, and others involved in the educational…

Examines the approaches students use when reading for literary and informational purposes. Finds four recursive stances readers take in relation to the text: (1) being out and stepping into an envisionment; (2) being in and moving through an envisionment; (3) stepping back and rethinking what one knows; and (4) stepping out and objectifying the…

Explores the implications of the interrelationships that exist among the narrative paradigm, children's television, media deregulation, epistemology, and education. Pays particular attention to the concept of narrative fidelity and the impact of television's "first stories" upon the evolution of that concept in children. Addresses…

This paper reviews research on disturbances of children with developmental delays and handicaps in responding to complex stimuli, suggesting that such disturbances may deleteriously influence behavioral/neurophysiological development. Intervention programs for teaching children with autism a generalized set to use in responding to complex…

Reports on the findings of a survey of over 450 children (ages 7 through 9) in southwest England exploring aspects of their views about and experience of reading. Provides insight into what children read and what influences their choice of reading and response to reading. (HB)

Generally, secondary schools experience more difficulties than elementary schools in meeting the demands of inclusive education practices. Article draws on teacher interview data from a study of two Nova Scotia junior high schools attempting to accommodate handicapped students in regular classrooms. Although teachers were fearful and frustrated by…

Details a program designed to use an awareness of cultural reader response to stimulate multicultural understanding among middle-school students. Provides strategies for reading multiethnic literature with students from varied backgrounds. (HB)

Studies three African-American children's responses to short works of fiction which were read aloud to them. Describes the three participants and the stories used. Analyzes significant patterns of understanding and interpretation observed. (HB)

A survey and observations of 18 Montreal teachers attempting to integrate computers into the prescribed elementary school curriculum examined inservice training, resources, organization and scheduling of the computer laboratory, laboratory use and activities, and teacher and student reactions. Overall, the teachers were pleased with the…

Examines the experiences of five female physical education teacher educators in their first positions as assistant professors in research-oriented universities. Data were collected using primarily qualitative methods. All participants reported experiencing role ambiguity and stress. (GLR)

Argues that nonfiction is growing in popularity as reading material among adolescents. Provides data and analysis of a study designed to measure the influence of nonfiction on the attitudes, values, and behavior of adolescents. (HB)