Presents observations of a newly appointed Amish teacher in an Amish school and reveals classroom procedures in elementary-level education during several periods in the school year. Observations reveal no classroom competition, yet successful student learning. There were few significant differences between the practices of experienced and…

This analysis of federal laws, state-level policies, and providers' and consumers' viewpoints examines the degree to which family-oriented early intervention policies and practices are family centered. Results indicate a movement toward adoption of family-centered policies and practices, but show discrepancies between state-level policymakers and…

A conceptual framework is presented for organizing and relating terms pertaining to select knowledge constructs. In constructing this framework, definitions are derived for 27 basic terms essential for understanding literature on learning and literacy. Implications of this terminology for research and instructional practice are discussed. (SLD)

Perceptions of the functioning of multidisciplinary teams making decisions about the eligibility of and programing for special education students were studied for 177 school psychologists surveyed nationwide. Results suggest an overall average level of satisfaction with typical team functioning, although moderate problems are reported for some…

A proposed research project is described in which two university-based researchers and four elementary school teachers will investigate problematic features of "whole language instruction" in monthly reflexive conversations. One hypothesis is that problems with whole language practice are indicative of a more broadly based cultural…

This article reviews the current state of gifted education in Great Britain, noting the development of a national center; effects of the National Curriculum; needs; aims; and issues, such as early childhood education, distance inservice courses for teachers, and use of information technology to individualize instruction. (DB)

Relationships among individuals' foreign language learning experiences, their beliefs about the effectiveness of language learning strategies, and their definitions of the learning task were studied for 194 college students. Results confirm that language learning experience is related to strategy beliefs. Implications for educational practice are…

The natural graphic talents of very young children do not deteriorate with age. Rather, aesthetic symbols are progressively devalued in the curriculum. Greater acknowledgement of the importance of graphic symbolization will improve symbolic literacy and contribute to cognitive development. (SK)

Discusses personal practical knowledge, its role in image making, and teaching practices. Describes images' role in two interns' classroom practices. On-site field notes and interview data suggest how images, such as "classroom as community," function in classroom teachers' lives. Images can be played out differently in classroom…

Traveling schools provided elementary education for children in geographically isolated areas in New South Wales (Australia) from 1908 through 1949. Their success was due to the quality and dedication of the teachers and to the system of correspondence teaching developed within these schools. (LP)

Describes the founding of an experimental school in 1936 in Laren, Holland by Maria Montessori, which began to synthesize the cultural materials based on children's capacity for hearing and absorbing language. Discusses young children's responsiveness to learning scientific names for leaf forms. Cites this experience as evidence for her theory of…

Discusses results of a study that identified promising practices in both dropout prevention and transition programs for youth at risk in 67 Florida school districts. Practices related to timing (grade range), curriculum, setting, and partnerships are reviewed. (SLD)

Discusses ways to evaluate proposals for change in the educational system. Outlines three principles to guide in the planning and organization of educational change projects: (1) Base policy and practice on proven practice and research; (2) Support the creation of professional learning communities; (3) Use diffusion principles to support adoption…

Examines the role of educational technology from a constructivist perspective. Discusses the subset of computer-based technologies, especially the Internet, that are changing the way interactivity is defined, and examines how these technologies interface with constructivist approaches to pedagogy. Explores the place of constructivism as a…

Challenges vague, underconceptualized notions of teacher professional community. Findings from an exploration of two California middle-school teacher communities suggest that current models obscure significant differences in beliefs and practices. One community stresses teachers' individual rights and responsibilities; the other is driven by a…