A number of studies have examined the process and product of writing instruction under different conditions. Fewer studies have investigated the development of knowledge and its relationship to writing performance. While some writers may be able to draw upon knowledge of text in their writing, others do not possess this knowledge and yet others…

In this study, we investigated a variety of Reader effects that may influence the validity of ratings assigned to AP® English Literature and Composition essays. Specifically, we investigated whether Readers exhibit changes in their levels of severity and accuracy, and their use of individual scale categories over time. We refer to changes in these…

loveLife is a high profile, expensive and controversial nationwide awareness and prevention campaign that has been addressed at young South Africans since 1999. This paper examines the discourses 20 Black youths used to narrate their involvements, satisfactions and difficulties as peer educators. The primary data sources are individual interviews…

Rates of sexually transmitted infections and HIV transmission in Russia remain high. Official attitudes do not yet appear to recognise fully their significance. There is increasing knowledge of the population's sexual behaviour and attitudes, including of young people, emerging from local and externally funded programmes. This is leading to…

This practicum addressed the anxiety and stress experienced by parents when their 3-year-old child with a disability or risk of developmental delay is transitioning from early intervention services to preschool. Questionnaires were administered to 20 parents to identify the causes of stress and anxiety during transitions and to determine their…

This study examined whether preservice teachers' understanding of collaborative consultation improves significantly during undergraduate training and whether they receive experiences working with other school professionals. The study compared the perceptions of 128 college freshmen with 130 college seniors at a mid-sized, midwestern university.…

These national standards document basic competencies required for individuals providing adapted physical education services. They define qualifications for professionals in this field and the knowledge and skills needed by individuals preparing for the certification examination. An introduction describes the development of the standards, including…

This report displays summary results from the Wisconsin Student Assessment System 1994-95 Eighth Grade Knowledge and Concepts Examinations for all Wisconsin school districts and schools with an eighth grade. Statewide data for 57,388 of Wisconsin's 58,821 eighth graders are reported; certain categories, such as limited English speaking students,…

This study investigates the effectiveness of traditional and reform approaches in teaching earth science to future elementary school teachers. The research team was interested in whether reform strategies produce more content knowledge and a more positive change in attitude toward earth science among elementary education students when compared to…

The purpose of this study was to identify the strategies used by learners in an open-ended hypermedia information system. Four participants were drawn from an introductory technology-for-teachers course incorporating a unit on telecommunications. Participants completed a survey measuring reported knowledge in three domains (metacognitive, system,…

This study tested a refined version of the discourse domain hypothesis, which defines the discourse domain as a topic area in which second language learners demonstrate extensive, current, and important knowledge, including both cognitive and affective dimensions. The study tested the results of previous studies, which showed that learners show…

A survey of 210 academic deans and vice presidents at a variety of college and university types explored the administrators' perceptions concerning the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that they: (1) wish they had had upon entry into administration; (2) felt were currently needed by academic administrators; and (3) felt would be necessary for…

This study explores the combined use of concept maps and interpretive essays as a method of assessment in three mathematics courses. The primary objectives were to describe and document: (1) the use of concept maps and written essays to assess the connectedness of students' knowledge; (2) the correlation between students' scores on the concept…

This manual identifies characteristics of instructional tools that are effective and efficient in promoting cognitive access for a broad diversity of students, especially those with learning disabilities. An introductory chapter defines "instructional tools" and considers the importance of their design, their use in addressing student…

Beginning in the 1995-96 school year, the science test will be added to the Ninth-grade Proficiency Tests Program. Any student graduating after September 15, 2000 will be required to pass the Ninth-grade Proficiency Test in Science, as well as the other tests in reading, writing, mathematics, and citizenship. This fact sheet provides information…