Noting that the principles of writing process instruction typically offered to elementary teachers are less readily adaptable to intermediate classrooms emphasizing content area learning rather than basic skills, this paper explores two key themes important to the successful implementation of writing process instruction: (1) teachers' needs to…

This study examined differences in predicting achievement by sex on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) from the verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal scores on the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). The sample (n=10,000) consisted of all students in Grades 2, 5, and 8 who completed both tests in fall 1984. Examinations of means and standard…

This article describes the placement testing program, the use of microcomputer software for scoring and analyzing test results, and the integration of the computerized test results into a comprehensive microcomputer-based student information system at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). UCI offers placement tests in five academic fields:…

Mathematics anxiety and its relationship to other constructs was studied in 138 preservice elementary and special education teachers. The students, primarily women, were enrolled in a variety of professional courses and field experiences. Five instruments were administered, their factor structures were determined, and intercorrelations among the…

This paper presents an instructional model for thinking skills and discusses implementing the model. Based on a unitary theory of human cognition and some basic assumptions about the conditions for successfully intervening in public education, the model can be implemented at any grade level within any instructional framework. Currently used models…

Representing the views of persons from a variety of fields including parents, educators, authors, librarians, and publishers, the papers in this journal issue explore the fine line between censorship (with an eye toward silencing ideas) and selection (with the recognition that just as literature can enlighten it can also degrade). Following an…

Reductions in the funding of compensatory education along with observed discrepancies in per-pupil cost among equally effective schools created a compelling case for the study of the determinants of cost-effective Chapter 1 programs in the state of Minnesota. Cost-effectiveness (CE) indexes for Chapter 1 reading and math services reflected a ratio…

Developed for teachers of educable mentally impaired students at the early elementary level in the Detroit Public Schools, this lesson plan format uses performance objectives based on the annual goals and short-term instructional objectives cited in students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The format is intended to be concise and useful…

Patterns that emerged from reviewing 20 syllabi for courses on educational foundations, history, and philosophy are discussed, and five sample syllabi are presented. These courses are offered as part of graduate level studies in the field of higher education administration. The review revealed the following profile: the history of higher education…

This guide was designed for trained tutors who teach adult literacy students on a one-to-one basis using a computer with a word-processing program. The guide is organized in five parts. The first part covers the use of computers in adult literacy and the language experience approach, a method in which the student's own words and stories are used…

Intended for teachers who wish to explore alternatives to the dominant pedagogy in the United States, and reflecting the creative enthusiasm many teachers gain from Paulo Freire's ideas, this collection of essays presents practical examples of innovative classroom work being done in Freirean education in America, as well as examinations of his…

Since the fall of 1984, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has conducted a yearly statewide testing of the reading and mathematics competencies of students in grades 3, 5, and 8. Because Pennsylvania does not mandate statewide curricula, the Department has had to rely upon committees of state educators to determine which objectives to test.…

The Nevada Department of Education implemented a standard setting study of the Pre-Professional Skills Tests. The tests constitute a secure test battery developed by the Educational Testing Service to assess basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics via three multiple-choice tests and a written essay test. The Nevada study, in the…

An elementary school guidance counselor serving as a volunteer computer education consultant to a preschool implemented a practicum to introduce computers into a community center's preschool program. Goals were to: (1) provide teachers with the knowledge and understanding needed to operate a computer; (2) acquaint teachers with computer software…

This report contains the findings and recommendations of the California Legislative Analyst concerning the Native American Indian Early Childhood Education program. The program was established in 1972 to increase competence in reading and mathematics among American Indian students in California rural schools by intervening in prekindergarten…