This paper reacts to testimony on early childhood special education research before the President's Commission on Excellence in Special Education (EC 632 080). It supports the recommendations made by the authors of that paper and suggests that, in addition, recommendations be developed that address a broader systems perspective. (Contains 5…

Describes and illustrates how the Reflective Framework for Teaching in Physical Education (RFTPE) can be used as a pedagogical tool to facilitate reflection and connect theory to practice during field experiences. It also includes potential advantages of using the RFTPE, comments from preservice teachers on using the RFTPE, and hints for…

Examines the cognitive-linguistic factors underlying literacy development in monolingual children and children learning English as an additional language (EAL) over a three-year period. Reveals similarities between the two groups of children in the study on reading accuracy, but children learning EAL had lower levels of vocabulary and…

Discusses a recent national survey of English language arts educators regarding middle school English. Learns that many respondents to the survey lacked knowledge about middle schools as sites for literacy learning. Notes that few English educators felt they had the necessary resources available to them for developing courses and field experiences…

Discusses the functions of educational research. Examines differences between decision-oriented research and conclusion-oriented research. Urges researchers to improve the quality of their writing. (FMW)

To understand the realities of the practitioner's world, the missionary reformer must concentrate on the biases of his or her culture and consider how the foreign culture of the school works. Unless the "experts" understand practitioners' values and assumptions, many well-intentioned reform efforts may be wasted. (MLH)

Describes the "Numbers Game"--a collaborative simulation to prepare students for participation in a full collaborative writing project. (RS)

The article proposes that conceptualizing intervention with young disabled children using the framework offered by the ABCX Model of Family Adaptation increases the likelihood that intervention will be planned and conducted in ways reflective of the normalizing approach underlying Public Law 99-457 (Education of the Handicapped Act Amendments,…

The concept of attitude is often used in the mass media as a causal factor, but it is seldom identified as such in Swedish scientific reports, possibly because of pessimism about the usefulness of attitude research. A research review suggests that attitude is an interesting predictor and explanatory concept. (SLD)

Issues concerning teachers' beliefs and practices about retention in kindergarten were explored in a study of 40 kindergarten teachers in one district. Teachers' beliefs and practices were found to be related. Teachers' endorsement of retention differed from extant propositional knowledge and from perceptions of other interested groups. (SLD)

Examines the similarities between ethnographic research and educational administration. Explores ways each field can utilize the techniques and knowledge base of the other. (7 notes, 50 references) (MLF)

The article reviews recent research in neurobiology. It discusses the confusion surrounding hemisphericity research and the dangers of its literal translation into classroom practice, urging that focus be more appropriately shifted to the curriculum. (Author/DB)

Examines the relationship between instructional practices which teachers use and current theories of literacy development. Shows that the "fit" between current theories of literacy development and the traditional basal approach is inadequate. Addresses the role of critical thinking in transforming teachers' perspectives about the reading process…

If secondary schools are to fulfill their purpose and goals, administrator preparation programs should be structured to include more hands-on activities, such as simulations, inbasket exercises, videotaped scenarios, and casebook examples. Additionally, these programs must address key questions regarding classroom practice, culture, and climate.…

Describes an undergraduate women's literature course in which students write in journals. Argues that the course may resolve conflict between feminist teachers, who dislike some theorists' uncritical view of feminism, and theorists, who dislike the taint of male philosophy in feminist teaching. Suggests that course interaction can bridge these…