The relational roles of the consultant, principal, and classroom teacher in Canada's core, extended, and immersion French programs are examined. Discussion focuses on the relationship between professional practice and instructional substantiveness, and it is argued that isolated and uncoordinated professional practice is counterproductive. (32…

Argues for the consideration of five major components that must be addressed within each local school or school system: 1) curriculum; 2) methodology; 3) organization; 4) administration; and 5) staff development. Emphasizes the support and active involvement of the local superintendent of education in this reading improvement process. (RAE)

A program was implemented in Oregon to screen infants at risk for hearing impairment, based on a birth certificate question concerning family history of hearing loss and subsequent parent notification of the need to have the infant's hearing tested. Preliminary results concerning efficacy of the program are reported. (JDD)

A Monash University (Australia) program to enhance the chemistry and physics preparation of secondary school graduates entering engineering in higher education offers one-semester intensive courses. The first four years of the program have produced encouraging results. Coordination of practical work and theory is seen as crucial to learning. (MSE)

This position statement was developed by members of the National Council of State Supervisors of Foreign Languages to assist school districts as they develop middle school foreign language programs. (JL)

Describes a parent volunteer tutoring program, called "Reading Together," that is run by members of the community, and that provides opportunities for kindergarten and pre-first-grade children to read and write in a playful environment. (SR)

With local Cooperative Extension agents serving as a bridge between university-based researchers and local community members, the PRIDE Project's collaborative activities have included building university-community relationships; carrying out needs assessments, program planning, and program evaluation research; and conducting policy seminars at…

Profiles the Texas School Teacher Exchange Program (STEP) and presents research results evaluating its effectiveness. Respondents rated statements about the program on a Likert scale. Results showed conclusively that the program is valued highly by the participants with few reservations. (MJP)

Process evaluation of a residential alcohol and drug treatment program for the homeless, the New Orleans Homeless Substance Abusers Project, found that treatment effects were in a positive direction, but were rarely significant. Retention in treatment for more than a few months was associated with more positive outcomes. (SLD)

Identifies and refutes seven myths regarding developmental education. Indicates that developmental education programs have a long history in America, raise academic standards, contribute to retention, are cost-effective, serve a diverse population, should not be limited to community colleges, and do not repeat high school course offerings.…

Discusses the benefits derived from an intergenerational program in a child-care or preschool setting. Describes the planning and implementation of such a program, designed to foster a positive emotional relationship between grandparents, or other older adults as surrogate grandparents, and preschool children. (BB)

Recommends that the Department of Health and Human Services ensure that every Head Start program can strive for excellence; expand the number of children served and the scope of services provided; and encourage community and school partnerships to ensure continuity of services, facilitate state and local collaboration, and link Head Start with…

Describes a home-based family literacy intervention with a mother and her four children. Highlights the importance of motivation and family involvement in developing literacy skills.(SR)

Curriculum needs can be identified and curriculum developed using the instructional design process. A fictional scenario and instructional design components are provided for those educators interested in incorporating virtual reality into the curriculum. Sample items of questionnaires are appended. (AEF)

A study of the Kentucky Family Resource Centers explores the effect of family-school interactions on school-linked service programs. Findings suggest the need to connect discussions of integrated services to reform efforts in school-family-community networks. (SLD)