Discusses six recent books for educators that focus on young adult literature, and on responding to literature. Describes how adolescent literature can be the center of transdisciplinary, concept-based units in a middle school curriculum. Outlines use of reading response logs and learning journals. Lists recently published books by and about…

Offers an annotated list of books, Web sites, videos, and audiobooks that children, adolescents, parents, and educators have found helpful in coping with death, grief, and the aftermath of violence based on experiences at the Columbine branch of the Jefferson County (Colorado) Public Library. Includes resources that are useful in…

Argues that units on regular subjects should be taught in the German language classroom. Outlines a three-week thematic unit for a high school German class on German for business and economics. Notes resources for German language teaching materials, and ideas for interdisciplinary collaboration among high school teachers. (SR)

Provides a history of school reform in U.S. schools from 1900 until the present. Discusses how educational policy can be included in the history classroom. Considers the differences between liberal and conservative policies, addressing how these two labels can be clarified for students. Includes a list of key sources and materials. (CMK)

Describes different types of assessment and addresses both short- and long-term learning targets in music education. Provides suggestions for measurement and evaluating students' musical performances. Considers the purpose of assessment in music education. Includes a glossary of assessment terms, guidelines, and resources. (CMK)

Considers the reactions of children to natural disasters and discusses the use of natural disasters in the social studies curriculum. Provides a list of online resources that may assist elementary school teachers in educating their students about natural disasters. (CMK)

Includes four articles that discuss strategic planning in the British Library, including electronic strategies and collaborative partnerships; Harvard University's plans for a digital library infrastructure; the National Gallery of the Spoken Word, a Digital Library Initiative (DLI)-funded project that is language-related; and promoting networked…

An elementary level teaching unit that explores immigration helps boost students' thinking skills, command of history, and appreciation of the nation's diversity. The unit focuses on reasons for emigrating to America, understanding the past, immigration today, and bridging the past and present. Three reproducibles are included. (SM)

This instructional module presented by the National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) provides guidelines for teachers and other test developers to help them construct test item banks. Setting up an item bank and using it are described, with a consideration of software that can be used. (SLD)

Describes a variety of ways in which extension specialists can support and supplement the K-12 science curriculum in Missouri. Includes a description of the Missouri Mastery Achievement Test (MMAT) and its use in assessing agricultural literacy. (DDR)

Discusses how four different teachers utilize active instruction in their social studies classrooms. Addresses how the textbooks should be used. Covers materials and objectives, the reactions of community members to new methods, and the benefits of active instruction over an increased workload. Discusses how to begin and provides a bibliography of…

Lesson in which students speculate about why an artist draws an image in a particular manner. Students examine expressive intent and imagery, subject, emotional content, techniques, media, and organization. Highlights four artists, providing art work, background information, activities, and assessment for each: (1) Irvin Tepper; (2) Nancy…

Provides historical background on the ancient Hohokam people. Provides an art activity in which fifth grade students create effigy vessels based on their study of the Hohokam. Describes the process. Explains that students develop clay modeling skills and an appreciation for Hohokam culture. (CMK)

Discusses the use of children's literature in social studies instruction and addresses the nature of Canadian children's literature. Provides an annotated list of 14 picture books representing different geographical regions in Canada, reflecting various historical periods, and presenting information on Canadian experiences. Offers Canadian…

Provides a collection of Web sites that can be used when teaching labor studies, such as the Illinois Labor History Society that has a "Curriculum of United States Labor History for Teachers" and the Canadian Committee on Labor History for a Canadian perspective. (CMK)