Even in schools termed "outstanding" by local and state reviews, few teachers demonstrate artful, inspired classroom instruction. Probable causes include (1) the emphasis in schools on order, competency, and basics, (2) random minilectures, (3) teachers' growing old in place, and (4) the dearth of younger career teachers. (IW)

Discusses a study by Theodore R. Sizer, and evaluates it in two vital areas: aims and curriculum proposals. Compares the study to two earlier Carnegie reports that shaped educational reform. (NKA)

Results of a survey of University of Sydney faculty of arts students concerning their educational aspirations and progress, employment patterns, class scheduling and attendance patterns, and college choice are summarized and discussed. (MSE)

Surveys recent literature on computer programing focusing on psychological studies of the programing task and selected instructional issues related to precollege programing. The cognitive demands and outcomes of programing, the influence of instruction on learning, and individual differences in outcomes of programing are specifically addressed.…

Describes the number and types of incentives offered to teachers in 67 rural schools in Virginia and examines effect on teacher recruitment and retention. Finds success in recruitment/retention directly related to the range of incentives and rewards. Notes most school districts offer no rewards to superior teachers. (LFL)

Reports on a nationwide survey of the teaching profession that compares personal profiles and salaries of public school teachers and 4-year college graduates employed year round. Discusses issues of supply and demand, motivation and morale, job satisfaction, and teacher training. Six charts are included. (IW)

Outlines a development process that turns a reader into a mentor, someone who can recommend books to others with a high percentage of satisfied readers. Examines the influence of peers, teachers, and other adults for their ability to increase the amount and quality of what children read. (SRT)

The MESA Program, a collaborative effort between the University of California-Berkeley College of Engineering and Oakland Technical High School, is described. The program provides evidence of what can be done with early intervention for students' motivation and performance levels and minority recruitment efforts. (Author/MLW)

Outdoor Biology Instructional Strategies (OBIS) were used successfully to motivate elementary students to learn about biological sciences through outdoor activities in the rural environment. (MH)

Discusses the barriers to effective parental participation in schools: (1) economic survival pressures; (2) control of participatory structures by school personnel; (3) cultural distance between school and community; (4) parental uncertainty about responsibility for failure; and (5) parental lack of clarity about improvement. Also discusses…

Isolation, sparsity, smallness, and differentness hamper pursuit of quality rural education. Necessary basic conditions for quality education are attractive buildings with positive school climate; strong teacher/administrator leadership; core curricula reflecting rural values/culture; high academic expectations for all students; and use of…

In a study of over 500 16-year-old Australian students from different social classes, differences in educational and occupational aspirations were found to be related most strongly to students' perceptions of their family learning environments. Social class differences were also noted; students' perceptions of school environments were least…

Suggests that educators can help new readers develop the habit of reading by exposing them to easy-to-read, high-interest books, giving them time to practice reading, reading books aloud in class, and having students share their reactions to books with each other. (MM)

This study was designed to describe the frequency of professional development activities provided to part-time occupational and technical program faculty. Additionally, the perceptions of occupational education officers concerning the instructional professional development needs and their appropriate delivery method(s) for these faculty members…

This paper examines racial and ethnic achievement disparities in places where schools are reputedly excellent, reporting on the 2000-2001 Ed-Excel Assessment of Secondary School Culture, which collected data on black, white, Hispanic, Asian, and mixed race students. Questions covered family characteristics, opinions about instructional quality,…