The information in "Teaching Mathematics in Seven Countries" will be useful to researchers and designers of educational interventions. For particular interest is that no single method of mathematics instruction was observed in all the high-performing countries. (SLD)

Discusses the history of Catholic schools beginning during the era of the original colonies, through the era of independence, to the twentieth century. Concludes that the American higher education system is to be applauded and specifically the Catholic schools should be recognized for creating model citizens. Contains one reference. (MZ)

Discusses the role of the square in art and explains that students can study modern art. Includes background information and artwork by four artists: (1) Richard Anuszkiewicz; (2) Victor Vasarely; (3) Frank Stella; and (4) Bridget Riley. (CMK)

Provides suggestions for developing a successful concert. Covers aspects of the performance such as literature selections, the sequence of the songs within the concert, the needs of the audience, appearance of the students, and appropriate concert length for all grades levels. (CMK)

Believes that mentoring helps new music teachers remain in the profession. Discusses the use of mentoring, focusing on the benefits of mentors for new teachers, mentor programs, and tools for mentors. Includes stories about teachers with mentors as well as a bibliography of resources. (CMK)

Offers twelve suggestions for music teachers to assist them in their careers, such as know your school and community, find a mentor, be a good listener, analyze your teaching, and create balance in your life. Lists reasons why music teachers should participate in professional development. (CMK)

Focuses on how conductors can gain leadership skills. Discusses the process of becoming a leader, beginning with developing a personal philosophy. Describes the differences between leadership and management, a specific approach to leadership called the servant-leader, and the characteristics of a servant-leader. Includes a bibliography of…

A review of the literature on best practices, both instructional and curricular, that may lead to increased achievement among gifted students, found that flexible ability grouping, combined with appropriate curricular revision or differentiation, may result in substantial achievement gains both for average and high ability learners. (Contains…

Discusses the use of a new technique, video-stimulated reflective dialogue, in which practitioners reveal their in-depth knowledge of their pedagogical practices when stimulated by a videotape of an episode of effective teaching. Details the challenge experienced by preschool teachers in articulating tacit/intuitive knowledge of their own…

This qualitative evaluation study explored the active classroom practices that early years teachers adopt when they introduce kindergartners to science in Greece. Findings indicated a considerable gap between the proposed and implemented curriculum. Findings also identified a number of factors that were not optimal and confirmed that early years…

Discusses what students can learn and accomplish in the art classroom at the elementary level. Focuses on topics that include language and student vocabulary, how students can build their confidence, and how they can learn about art history and movements. (CMK)

Describes what artistic play is and how it can be integrated into classroom activities. Gives an example with preschool children creating artistic solutions to a role playing situation given to them by their teacher. States that artistic play is facilitated by the proper environment and by teachers. (DAJ)

Uses classroom vignettes to examine reasons why schools in the United Kingdom are not yet generally successful in including students with disabilities and suggests simple ways that ordinary teachers can implement inclusive practices. These include the importance of teamwork, a school climate which encourages inclusive practices, and teacher…

Argues that funding for education has increased in California since 1989 and that the reason for continued large class sizes is increased enrollment. Compounding the problem is the fact that 7 out of 10 new students had limited English proficiency. (DDR)

Discusses how a fundamental disagreement between the values of distance education and traditional academics could be bridged by a mutual commitment to education driven by quality, access, integrity, responsiveness, and a central role for faculty. Notes adoption of distance education could be enhanced by integrating theories of organizational…