A survey of all students enrolled in computer courses at a Colorado high school during fall 1997 revealed positive perceptions of the courses' value. Students enrolled in desktop publishing and word processing courses were more satisfied with these courses than were those enrolled in literacy lab, vocational education, and keyboarding classes.…

Highlights an instructional model that provides a framework for the incorporation of technical content in a multilevel workplace English course, and a strategy for ensuring the relevance and accuracy of such information through instructor-employer collaboration. The materials and techniques described can be adapted for any workplace English course…

Explores benefits derived from the "Gardendale Family" (a vertically aligned team of K-6 classrooms). Describes how older students give guidance, feedback, and validation to those in lower grades as the younger children become active members of the literacy community; and how students use written and oral language in authentic and…

Explores benefits derived from the "Gardendale Family" (a vertically aligned team of K-6 classrooms in which students remain throughout their elementary school careers). Highlights a community-based research project which served as a vehicle for fostering cross-age learning opportunities, connecting students' learning to their community,…

Many young people in member countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development leave school unprepared for employment; this constitutes a failure of the school system. Identifies indicators of failure, policies for addressing failure, and three main policy challenges: development of a comparative knowledge base, removal of…

Presents case studies highlighting factors that influenced the attitudes of predominantly white, middle-class preservice teachers during their internships at a Philadelphia elementary school. The experience challenged their understandings of their own preconceptions and biases, the role of the caregiver in the community, and the significance of…

Presents tips, gleaned from federal research, to help parents understand how their children are doing in school, including: know what is expected; know the child's reading level; understand test scores; solicit teacher feedback; become familiar with the child's homework; use report cards to identify overall progress; stay attuned to social skills;…

Describes the role and responsibilities of the school library media specialist as identified in 1994-96 dissertation research. Highlights include media specialists as collaborative workers, the importance of leadership, commitment to a media literacy-skills program and student needs, professional development, the need for principal support,…

A meta-analysis was conducted of 14 studies examining whether whole-language instruction increases the reading skills of low-SES students in grades K-3. Evidence suggested that low-SES primary school children do not benefit from whole-language instruction, compared to basal instruction. Findings indicated that there may be some advantages to the…

This article presents the Triune Assessment-Intervention Model (TAIM), which uses the constructs of sensemaking and dynamic literacy as its conceptual framework. The model assesses use of semantics/syntax, phonology/orthography, organization, and scripts/schemas rule systems though analysis of oral and literate discourse events, communication, and…

A national survey of information literacy instruction in Canadian academic libraries revealed that trends in teaching objectives, methods, and content have changed little in the past five years. Instructional librarians continue to face numerous challenges, particularly with regard to limited resources and faculty and student attitudes. (Contains…

Examined the joint and unique predictive significance of emergent literacy skills for later emergent literacy skills and reading in two samples of preschoolers. Structural equation modeling revealed significant developmental continuity of these skills, particularly for letter knowledge and phonological sensitivity from late preschool to early…

Energy Express is a summer reading and nutrition program for disadvantaged young children in 80 rural West Virginia communities. College student/AmeriCorps mentors support childrens' literacy by creating a print-rich environment, using a place-based curriculum, and providing activities, including a community service project. Two case studies…

Examines how an elementary school faculty in a technology-rich environment are acquiring expertise to effectively use technology to facilitate instruction for children. Describes the technology and discusses efforts for staff development. Proposes a model for staff development that includes both computer and curricular innovations. (Author/AEF)

In two Alberta elementary schools, volunteer mentors were paired with 27 children, primarily in grades K-2, to provide support for literacy development. After six to eight weeks, interviews with students, mentors, and teachers showed that child-mentor relationships were enjoyable for both parties and that students improved in self-confidence and…