Describes using book diaries as a way for students to respond in writing to their reading as they practice the comprehension strategies learned in class; also describes using the diaries as an informal means of assessing students' learning and communicating regularly with parents. (MG)

Describes the writing problems of a poor, black, urban student who wants to succeed in college but doesn't know how. Asserts that language use, particularly the use of Black English, plays a major role in their lack of academic success. Offers drills and strategies to help with this problem. (PRA)

Discusses strategies for teaching nonsexist language. Advocates discussion of misconceptions about the history of linguistic reform, forms of address, and outdated, sexist textbooks. Suggests that students find samples of sexist language and rewrite them using NCTE guidelines. Alerts teachers to be prepared for resistance. Suggests further…

Examines the rhetoric about portfolio assessment and compares that rhetoric with observations from one school district's project in developing portfolio assessment. Presents observations that show the successes and the remaining challenges in implementing alternative assessments. (MG)

Bond issue funds were earmarked for remodeling 10 schools in a Florida school district. Describes a physical plant survey instrument used to examine each district school building to determine the district needs and the method that prioritizes those needs. (MLF)

This article describes incidental teaching of social behavior, which improves the peer interactions of young children through a naturalistic teaching tactic that can be used separately or along with other social skills interventions. The article offers a rationale, examples of incidental teaching, and helpful hints for implementing the method.…

This article provides a framework for social skills homework in special education; an example of a social skills assignment; and a continuum for the involvement of parents, teachers, peers, and others in the homework process. Practicing social skills in natural settings is felt to assist in generalization and maintenance. (JDD)

This study, involving 47 students in grades 2-10, investigated letter-naming speed to determine whether it measures cognitive speed, a theoretical factor that purportedly influences reading rate. It was determined that cognitive speed and cognitive power are two independent factors and that letter-naming speed can be used to measure cognitive…

Common effectiveness qualities for consideration in formal evaluation of rehabilitation devices and equipment are cost, user-friendliness, and compliance with local standards. This article identifies variables related to these attributes and suggests strategies for data collection and analysis. A comparative evaluation of two products illustrates…

The article describes programs serving previously unsuccessful students (grades K-8) who are gifted and/or learning disabled at the ASSETS School in Hawaii. Briefly covered are the ASSETS program/service components in the behavioral and social emotional areas, assessment, documentation, program evaluation, parent input/education; curriculum,…

To provide some perspective on current issues and challenges concerning the role of grammar in language teaching, methodological trends of the past 25 years are reviewed. A proposal for a decision-making strategy is provided for resolving the controversy regarding how much grammar one should teach to language learners. (VWL)

Adults participating in an Ulpan method Welsh program were surveyed to determine their motivation for learning Welsh and for choosing an intensive course. Integration was found to be the major motivating factor for studying Welsh and the students believed that an immersion setting would result in superior language learning. (JL)

Review and examination of the current literature on reference interview evaluation explores the degree to which such evaluative practices are both desirable and achievable. It is concluded that, if both quantitative and qualitative techniques are appropriately used, accurate mechanisms of evaluation are possible and desirable. (17 references) (LRW)

Based on a study of the general education statements and course requirements of 322 colleges/universities, describes 4 types of curricula--the diverse, personalized/individual, integrative curricula, and interdisciplinary core/major dominated programs. Ties each type to institutional characteristics, faculty teaching practices, and student…

A sixth grade teacher discusses how she enhanced student writing and thinking skills by having them collaborate on a class monster story. The article describes how they created the story. A copy of the story is included. (SM)