This paper presents a brief overview of research relevant to early childhood education, reviews some recent intervention programs for preschool and kindergarten children, and investigates the need for policymakers to establish programs based on research findings. Particular attention is given to an intervention research study conducted with…

In fall 1987, a study was conducted at Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) to examine the college's system of basic skills assessment for course placement. The study investigated the adequacy of established cut scores; placement evasion (i.e., the disregarding of a recommendation to take a developmental course) and its consequences; the use of…

The Beginning Teacher Assistance Program (BTAP) was established by the Washington Legislature in 1985. The primary intent of the program is to provide assistance to first-year teachers who often need support and guidance from more experienced colleagues. This report to the legislature describes the results for school year 1986-87. In order to…

Results of a comprehensive study of the school climate component in the School District of Philadelphia's school improvement project--the Replicating Success Project (RSP)--are reported. The RSP study, which was implemented in a large urban public school system, uses multiple indicators and a chart essay in reporting findings in order to present…

This report discusses many issues with which those who are implementing peer counseling programs will have to contend. Although it is recommended that peer counseling program implementors be aware of and know how they will deal with each of the issues prior to program implementation, the issues are presented according to their identifiable time…

The monograph describes the application of flexible pacing as a means of meeting the educational needs of gifted students in schools throughout the country. Flexible pacing is defined as placing students at an appropriate instructional level and allowing them to move forward in the curriculum as they master content and skills. Flexible pacing is…

Preschoolers in a model preschool designed to develop children's planning and problem-solving abilities were compared to children in three comparison preschools on measures assessing children's ability to solve problems and plan. Children were also compared on other measures of cognitive ability, including measures of general cognitive…

The literature on retention of adult learners strongly suggests that previous educational attainment is closely tied to participation and persistence. Educationally disadvantaged adults are more likely to lack self-confidence and self-esteem, have negative attitudes toward education, and need mastery of basic skills such as literacy before…

Project CHIME (Children with Hearing Impairments in Mainstreamed Environments) was created to develop and implement strategies that promote effective mainstreaming of preschool hearing-impaired children, aged 2-5. This guide reviews issues that should be addressed before beginning a mainstreamed program, such as: funding; advance planning;…

Two sections comprise this essay describing the process of planning for educational change. The first section defines values, goals, and operating procedures. These factors combine to facilitate educational change. The second section identifies the three phases of educational planning. Needs assessment, management techniques, and evaluation…

This report summarizes the results of a survey of school supervisors who evaluated teachers in their schools who were graduates of one of Michigan State University's (MSU) teacher preparation programs. The major sections of the survey questionnaire provided: (1) background information (e.g., How many times have you observed this MSU graduate…

This is a report of a one-year trial of a new professional arrangement for teachers, which gave experienced teachers part-time sabbaticals during the school year for study and curriculum projects, and which attempted to give first-year teachers (who were already certified) mentoring help and other special professional opportunities. The first-year…

The purpose of this two section, five-part monograph is to help teachers plan and organize instruction so that objectives of language learning may be met as part of technology activities. Its intended audiences are elementary teachers, elementary language arts consultants, technology teachers who work in a team with elementary teachers, and…

An alternative measure for evaluating the performance of academic departments was studied. A comparison was made with the traditional manner for computing unit costs and productivity ratios: prorating the salary and effort of each faculty member to each course level based on the personal mix of course taught. The alternative method used averaging…

Based on a case study of a large northwestern suburban school district's initial attempts to establish policy for school use of computers, this report addresses such general questions as how school districts develop policies for instructional and administrative uses of computers, how school policy formation committees function, and how their…