Presents position of the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) regarding children and play. Discusses ACEI's fundamental beliefs about the importance of play, citing supporting research and theory. Presents guiding principles and practices for play experiences, focusing on adults' crucial role in structuring and planning the…

This article presents a chart to illustrate learning paths for children ages 3 to 6 years and sample teaching strategies in the following areas: (1) number and operations; (2) geometry and spatial sense; (3) measurement; (4) pattern/algebraic thinking; and (5) displaying and analyzing data. (KB)

This articles presents ways to incorporate constructive play in the early childhood classroom, focusing on building a "learning through play" environment. Three key areas are considered: the teacher's philosophy about children and learning, the physical environment created for learning, and the type and range of play-based activities…

Provides background information on multiculturalism within education and specifically discusses the historical background of multicultural music education. Addresses current changes in music education related to multiculturalism and questions the state of multicultural music education. (CMK)

Addresses similarities and differences in educational philosophy and practice among alternative schools such as the Free School (Albany, New York) and Summerhill (England). Discusses philosophies of Summerhill's founder A. S. Neill and his belief that children should be loved and accepted and allowed to participate within the school's power…

A review of the research on designing instruction for students with significant disabilities identifies valid questions and the conclusions derived from these questions that focus on additional research needs. The questions are organized around three concerns: (1) the role of instructional materials; (2) ways to motivate students to learn; and (3)…

Two special educators comment on an article in the same issue by Joe Reichle entitled "Communication Intervention with Persons Who Have Several Disabilities." Siegel-Causey stresses the implications of advances in augmentative and alternative communication and training for broader use of existing communication skills. Mirenda supports combining…

The SMART planning system is examined as a tool for teachers working toward the successful inclusion of children with disabilities. Four focus areas are discussed connected with the SMART acronym: Select curriculum and approaches; Match instruction to child; Adapt when necessary; Relevant skills targeted; Test to inform instruction. Suggestions on…

Explores the historical development of education in modern Algeria, arguing that Algeria, despite interest in celebrating the national identity, is still characterized by the wholesale adoption of European educational theories, policies, and practices, even though these do not fit well with indigenous culture. (SLD)

In 97 Ohio school districts, 484 teachers and administrators rated their school's standardized testing practices as average or above, compared to school performance in other areas. Highest rated testing practices were related to test quality, pupil records, and understandable scores and reports; lowest rated practice was use of test results to…

Draws on existing research to clarify several diversity and equity issues relevant to language minority elementary students. Explores the relationships between language development and the cognitive skills necessary for school success, school-home communication, and instructional approaches that support language learning. (GR)

Interviews and surveys of 98 students and 7 instructors in Outward Bound Canada found that specific aspects of course activities, the physical environment, instructors, and participants influenced course outcomes. As role models, instructors made a greater contribution to student interpersonal skills than most other course components. Implications…

Canadians do not have a common history, despite the English-speaking Eurocentric narrative that passes for Canadian history. Rethinking the history curriculum, combined with innovative practices such as using primary historical documents, conducting heritage fairs, and encouraging students to research and produce their own heritage minutes, can…

Eight focus groups of teachers of students who are deaf/hard of hearing identified language instructional practices associated with either oral communication or total communication. This generated a set of 79 statements of practices that were then verified by program supervisors using a Likert-type scale. Teachers' identified practices differed…

This article discusses the need to connect research and policy in the education of children and youth with autism spectrum disorders. It considers issues related to selecting and implementing use of research and evidence-based practices and the need for appropriately trained educational professionals. (Contains references.) (Author/DB)