This commentary reacts to an article that presented an agenda for educational change to encourage early childhood inclusion. It calls for a leadership agenda for the nation, agreement about inclusion as a feasible program model, development and dissemination of effective practices and evidence-based guidelines, family involvement, and increased…

Argues for understanding distance education as a community of practice that must acknowledge and accommodate diversity in the context of increasing economic globalization. Suggests that any community of practice is embedded in a larger social context that influences values and practice. Examines the historic and contemporary social, economic, and…

Explains essential factors found in recent research for student accomplishment in Web-based degree programs and how these can be facilitated in the course level through instructional design, teaching, and technical assistance. Examines academic and administrative services at the institutional level, and explains factors of both types, with…

Provides a general background on child-centered learning, focusing on topics such as "center time" and children's play. Offers suggestions that will enable early childhood teachers to implement child-centered music practices. Considers ideas on different music centers and activities for teachers interested in developing a child-centered music…

Examines what it takes to build a "learning community" designed to help all children receive a quality education on equal terms. The characteristics of communities of learners are described, and barriers to developing democratic learning communities are shown in the areas of leadership, testing and grouping, parent participation, and the…

Examines research on schoolwide programs with the views of experienced practitioners in 21 highly regarded schoolwide projects under Chapter 1, to identify the principles guiding effective schoolwide programs. The framework that the most successful schools build on is described, and practices that future Title 1 schoolwide programs can adopt are…

Investigates classroom practices of 38 teachers enrolled in university masters' degree programs in educational technology and in other areas of education. Practices related to five key concepts related to educational technology: learner-centered instruction, instructional design, media and technology, assessment, and instructional alignment.…

A study examined the opinions and practices of 28 speech-language pathologists specific to best practice communication-based service delivery for persons with severe disabilities. Pathologists reported to value highly and, to a lesser degree, to practice indicators of quality communication-based service delivery. Significant differences between…

Reminiscence of a graduate education class that shifted students' focus from right answers to understanding illustrates how Foxfire teachers are never finished constructing their knowledge about teaching. Similarly, there is no single correct way to implement the Foxfire approach. Success is measured by the applications and interpretations of…

Examines the personal and professional qualities of a well-respected music educator in order to understand what makes a music educator exemplary. Discovers four themes: (1) high-level verbal and non-verbal language; (2) routines and organization provides the framework for artistry in teaching; (3) humor; and (4) quality environment is conducive to…

Investigates fourth-grade students' achievement following a model unit on American Indian music that utilized four different instructional approaches. Suggests implications for instruction with American Indian music regarding instructional approach, authenticity of instrument materials, learning from a native guest artist, and music teacher…

Describes how the three paradigms of assessment (assessment as measurement, as procedure, or as inquiry) are similar and how they are different, using writing portfolios to help distinguish between them. Presents several factors that support teachers making a "paradigm shift" from assessment as measurement to assessment as inquiry. Explains…

Explains that web sites associated with television stations dedicated to the study of history provide resources for both history teachers and students. Describes some television station web sites: (1) the History Channel; (2) Arts and Entertainment (A&E) and Cable in the Classroom; and (3) the Public Broadcasting System (PBS). (CMK)

In this interview, psychologist Andrew Meltzoff dispels some popular myths and discusses insights from cognitive developmental psychology to enlighten educators. Studying infants and listening to young children has led experts to revise their ideas about the thought/language relationship. Play activities are profound learning experiences. (MLH)

Examines factors that will influence how distance education is practiced in the first few decades of this new century. Discusses developments in digital technology; the exponential growth of knowledge about the brain, as well as physiology, chemistry, and psychology of learning; the system relationship between individual learners and instructors;…