This brief addresses four areas of opportunity to influence teacher quality. These areas of opportunity are used to create a framework to help state and district policymakers comprehensively address teacher quality. There are a number of policy levers or strategies that can be used as part of a comprehensive approach to improving teacher quality.…

This text addresses wide-ranging topics that provide foundational information and guidelines for present and future adult educators to consider as they contemplate decisions regarding adult education programs. Content and materials are organized as a practical reference for upper-level undergraduate or graduate students interested in planning and…

The CERCA (Civic Engagement for Education Reform in Central America) school report card (SRC) model was developed with schools in the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in 2004 and 2005. This document summarizes the major findings, successful procedures, and implications of the experience for the region. The SRC…

With sustainable business practices on the rise in many companies--and in many business schools--the question looms large: How do you land an environmental job in a company, agency, or other organization? First the bad news: traditional environmental jobs in big companies are on the wane. Many companies are cutting back on their environment…

At the request of a special commission appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts for an investigation relative to technical and higher education in that Commonwealth, Dr. George F. Zook, specialist in higher education in the Bureau of Education, recently directed and completed a survey. One of the chief problems involved was the possibility of…

Part 1 of this study investigated possible causes of the observed decline in correlations between SAT scores and freshman grade-point average (FGPA). Working with a database of 38 colleges, the study found that the comparability of course grades received by entering freshmen declined in the 1980s. Three new measures of grade comparability-variety…

Compares course offerings and placement procedures in mathematics and science in six high schools. Examines these practices in upper-, middle, and working class districts and among schools identified as "excellent" and "average." Discovers significant differences even among schools within the same social class. Includes brief literature review and…

As Western educators help Central and Eastern European institutions develop programs in business and economics education, five areas require attention: (1) team teaching by local and Western faculty; (2) coordination between host and Western institutions; (3) institution building; (4) careful selection and preparation of faculty to provide…

Examines the increase in popularity of objective testing in the United Kingdom and addresses some of the accompanying academic issues. Reports on a case study of test production and implementation to illustrate issues of time costs and benefits. Discusses question styles, marking schemes, and the problem of guesswork. (MJP)

Reviews three computer software: (1) "Elastic Lines: The Electronic Geoboard" on elementary geometry; (2) "Wildlife Adventures: Whales" on environmental science; and (3) "What Do You Do with a Broken Calculator?" on computation and problem solving. Summarizes the descriptions, strengths and weaknesses, and…

Analyzes data collected from 121 primary education teachers concerning methods of teaching reading. Discovers that the majority of teachers employ a wide range of reading and writing activities. While most schools maintain a devoted commitment to reading instruction, a lack of consistency suggests a more comprehensive policy. (MJP)

Discusses library services to gay and lesbian patrons. Topics addressed include heterosexist prejudices; information needs of gay and lesbian patrons; censorship; inadequate indexing of lesbian and gay materials; inappropriate subject headings; reviews of pertinent materials; interlibrary loan; and services to children and young adults. (LRW)

Presents 10 teaching strategies that give attention to affective variables in mathematics classrooms to increase the likelihood that high school students will continue to enroll in higher level mathematics courses. Strategies focus on frustration, vocabulary use, anxiety, confidence, cooperative learning, creativity, remediation, mathematical…

This three-year survey of undergraduates (n=330) in science, mathematics, and engineering (SME) majors indicates that a large proportion of those who switch from SME majors acknowledge difficulties that arise from structural and cultural sources rather than from personal inadequacy. Those who persevere make effective use of situational resources…

Reports results of a survey that examined the role of school library media specialists in Alabama public schools in promoting reading growth, assisting classroom teachers, and teaching reading skills. Comparisons of ideal and actual responsibilities are made, and academic preparation of media specialists in the area of reading is discussed. (LRW)