The 100-year-old official English language study program in Japan needs to be drastically upgraded through improved teacher-training and instructional methods. (IR)

Lecture given before the Annual Conference and Course on Reading (23d, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pa., July 10-21, 1967).

An experiment designed to determine the aptitude level(s) and group size which would provide optimal feedback for formative evaluation of instructional materials found that revisions based on feedback from one-to- one sessions with a mixed aptitude group were more effective than those based on feedback from a group or single aptitude level. (EAO)

Reviews the existing practices and perceptions of professionals in the field of rural education, concentrating on the use of teaching innovations in rural schools, on the need for specialized rural-teacher training, and on the major sources of program dissemination among rural teachers. (JW)

The author argues that, in many ways, the student teaching experience may not adequately prepare novice music teachers for their first professional assignments. He suggests changes in student teacher placement procedures, advocates formal assistance for first-year teachers, and lists seven tips for beginning teachers. (SJL)

To improve the state of school psychology and its outlook for the future, two elements are necessary: people and material. Based on survey results, a format for futuristic thinking about psychology is offered as a more proactive way of influencing the school psychologist's environment. (GK)

A survey of Black leaders across the U.S. revealed that they place primary importance on the role of vocational programs in helping students find employment. Approximately 79 percent believe that students should be qualified to graduate from a vocational program only after passing a job performance test and academic tests. (LRA)

During the l980s, state leadership will be challenged and tested as it has never been before. Successful leaders will work to inspire team concepts among teachers, teacher trainers, students, legislators, parents, the agricultural industry, and the general public. (LRA)

Illustrates the importance of adopting a formal strategy for eliminating programs. Outlines a three-step procedure for identifying candidates for elimination, evaluating these programs, and implementing the decision. The procedure provides community service agencies with guidelines for better serving the needs of their clientele. (SK)

A five-step method of instructional program evaluation is described, which helps insure educators that their graduates will continue to gain employment and that courses will continue to teach skills sought by employers. The steps are self-identification, target groups, requirements, data reduction, and program development. (CT)