Addresses two concerns about how educational reforms are being carried out: (1) the definitions being used to determine what is basic in education, and (2) the tests being used to measure those "basic skills." Suggests some solutions for teachers who recognize the legitimacy of public concern and the necessity of public support. (HTH)

Presents background information on seals, legislation designed to protect them, activities related to seals and the fourth International Day of the Seal, and suggestions for field trips. Includes list of materials available from the Seal Rescue Fund with current costs. (JM)

Describes a program in which three educational institutions collaborated to create and implement a multisensory reading/language arts program that focuses on language arts integration, sequential skills learning, and individualized instruction. (FL)

Reviews theories on cognition and perception as they relate to language and the arts and presents research supporting an arts-centered curriculum as beneficial to language and reading development. (FL)

To provide educational relevance, enable students to gain community awareness, and provide opportunities for self-discipline and individualized learning, an interdisciplinary team (Problems of Democracy, English, and Consumer Economics) in a California high school offer a one-semester course to senior high school students in which the classroom is…

This full-color, kid-pleasing collection of language-arts activities is ideal for K-2 children of all ability levels--and for English language learners too. The practical and easy-to-implement lessons also are convenient for substitute teachers, classroom assistants, and volunteers. Flexible and versatile, these unique cards can be used for guided…

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is working together with state and local government and private sector partners to prepare the nation and the nation's schools for emergencies of all kinds. This teaching guide includes lessons, reproducible worksheets, and a classroom poster that can be used to reinforce key curriculum concepts while…

This digest discusses the need for differentiating language arts instruction for gifted students in grades K-8. It begins by describing differentiation approaches, including acceleration, depth, complexity, challenges, and creativity. It then explains how teachers can differentiate the language arts curriculum in the following five areas: (1)…

While most urban school districts face rapid turnover in leadership and limited results, Boston has won national attention for its stability and success. The purpose of the study is to inform the leadership transition that will occur as Payzant's superintendency comes to a close in June 2006. This study examines Boston's accomplishments and…

This report is the second in a series based on data collected for an evaluation of the Class Size Reduction Program. This study examined the impact of the teacher on student achievement. The study used multilevel statistical techniques to examine the teaching strategies and techniques observed in the classroom that were significant predictors of…

This teacher's guide and student workbook are part of a series of content-centered supplementary curriculum packages of alternative methods and activities designed to help secondary students who have disabilities and those with diverse learning needs succeed in regular education content courses. The content of Parallel Alternative Strategies for…

California State Standard 5.6 is delineated as: Students understand the course and consequences of the U.S. Revolutionary War. Students should be able to identify and map the major military battles, campaigns, and turning points of the Revolutionary War, the roles of U.S. and British leaders, Indian alliances on both sides, the contributions of…

The "Nevada English Language Arts Standards" are intended to give Nevada children the tools and experiences that will help them not only to succeed in school but also to become lifelong and adept readers, writers, listeners, and speakers. The scope of English language arts study extends far beyond the English language arts classroom.…

The integration of technology into the curriculum is a key issue in today's schools. Whether technology should be used in schools is no longer an issue. Instead, the current emphasis is ensuring that technology is used effectively to create new opportunities for learning and to promote student achievement (The North Regional Educational…