A study examined the "induction detractors" (defined as more broadly based than "problems") experienced by beginning vocational education teachers entering from traditional teacher education programs and those entering without such training. A sample of 12 (7 male, 5 female) first-year vocational education teachers was selected from Virginia, West…

A study examined the impact that the United Auto Workers' (UAW) Joint Funds programs, established in the early 1980s, have had upon the policies and practices of selected community colleges in the Midwest. Each of the three UAW Joint Funds programs (Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler) offers a wide array of special programs to active and inactive…

The Research-Practice Linkages Project sought to identify the knowledge base supporting community leadership development (CLD) programs of the Cooperative Extension Service and to determine linkages between Extension programs and CLD research. A mail questionnaire was completed by 492 Extension staff involved in CLD programs in 18 states and 42…

In three parts, this symposium presentation to the American Montessori Society: (1) comments generally on current perceptions of Montessori education; (2) poses questions about practices in Montessori classrooms that challenge Montessori educators' core beliefs about Montessori education; and (3) discusses the cutting edges of contemporary…

Observations and recommendations are presented from a seminar in which 25 practicing special educators (teachers, administrators, and specialists) from New York State meeting for 5 full days over a period of months participated. A section of general observations notes that the special education system has taken too much upon itself and has…

In 1985, Virginia state law was amended to change the birth date for automatic eligibility for kindergarten from December 31 to September 30. The law allowed school districts to admit young children with birthdays from October 1 through December 31, provided the children were tested for kindergarten readiness. Testing for admission to school for…

This six-chapter monograph describes the development of adult basic education (ABE) in the Netherlands. It documents a process from the development of literacy by enthusiastic volunteers to professionalized and institutionalized adult education, which is still evolving. In chapter 1, a general outline of the problem of functional illiteracy…

The Japanese educational system is highly effective and is frequently pointed to as a potential model for reform of U.S. education. Although meaningful comparisons are difficult to make because the cultures are so different, educators in the United States can borrow and adopt many of the practices that make Japanese schools outstanding. According…

A study was designed to investigate ways in which schools are responding to new opportunities to participate more fully in the delivery of high quality, family-responsive early childhood programs. Phase One of the study aims to develop a comprehensive overview of the status of child care and early childhood education for kindergarten and younger…

An ethnographic study of a primary and secondary Australian Catholic boys school--the Christian Brothers College (CBC)--examined the historical relationship between Catholic schools, Catholic religious formation, and social mobility in Australia. The methodology used includes classroom observation, interviews, participation in social and religious…

The purpose of this report is to provide an accurate picture of the nature and condition of Minnesota's K-12 public education system and the challenges it faces in the coming years. Section I describes the major concerns about Minnesota education (centering on excellence and student performance, system accountability and responsiveness, and…

The study tested the hypothesis that teaching high school economics concepts first in a familiar mode or symbol system and then elaborating on the concepts in a second or less familiar mode facilitates classroom learning. Using an experimental design, 83 high school seniors were randomly and individually assigned to three separate classes, which…

This research review examines the historical development of training programs for special education teachers, beginning with their apprenticeship at residential institutions for handicapped children. Federal legislation brought about reform in the preparation of special education teachers, by authorizing grants to universities and colleges to…

Examined were differences between 36 Tennessee kindergarten and first-grade teachers' us of student groupings and instructional time. Teachers were observed twice at the beginning of the school year and once again approximately 8 weeks later. Eight observers collected data using the Stallings Observation Instrument, a measure consisting of: (1) a…

A comprehensive analysis was conducted of existing public education programs in the State of Mississippi for school-age children and youth with severe handicaps. Specifically, the investigation focused on a discrepancy analysis of public school service systems for the target population in relation to eight identified educational practices common…