A policy study (1992-94) investigated how three exemplary states have implemented transition services for youth with disabilities. Document evaluation and interviews (N=74) with key policymakers and implementors resulted in identifying seven themes that contributed to the successful initiation and continuation of transition policies, practices,…

Reports on the development of a comprehensive education program "Step by Step: A Program for Children and Families" in Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union. Designed for young children from birth to age eight and their families, this program attempts to share U.S. teaching methods that promote democratic principles…

In Finland and England, national policy on subject- versus child-centered curriculum are moving in opposite directions. Comparative studies of four small elementary schools indicate that teachers' beliefs, values, and practices were powerful mediators of their interpretations and responses to imposed changes, and the ethos of very small schools…

Provides a thorough introduction to the origin, ideas, and current state-of-the-art of discipline-based music education (DBME). DBME expands music education beyond performance to include aesthetics, history, and criticism. Discusses the music specialist's role in this process, gives guidelines for implementation, and includes a list of resources.…

Recommends the inclusion of a master's thesis in industrial and organizational psychology programs. Argues that the thesis serves several critical educational purposes and is relevant to applied psychology. Offers suggestions for increasing the relationship between the educational requirement and the professional tasks. (MJP)

Maintains that the explosion of information technology combined with a cornucopia of new critical approaches places even heavier demands on art teachers and students. Examines some of the cognitive and curricular consequences of these changes. Offers recommendations for guiding future research on art learning and curricular development. (MJP)

Traces the history of the idea of a general education' from the reforms of the 19th century through the Soviet system to its current incarnation. Originally conceived as an investment in the economic future of the country, it developed into an educational counterweight to the growing professionalization of instruction during the Soviet regime.…

Contends that teacher's decisions regarding textbook use can be understood through public choice theory. This theory claims decisions are made balancing competing interests of scarcity, time, costs, benefits, and incentives. Teachers use textbooks because of their efficacy in organizing and providing instructional material. (MJP)

Reports on a pilot study designed to assess the potential of computer-marked tests for allowing students to monitor their learning. Students' answers to multiple choice tests were fed into a computer that provided a full analysis of their strengths and weaknesses. Students responded favorably to the feedback. (MJP)

Poses an interesting analogy by considering the university as a constitutional entity with the faculty as its "citizens." Argues that elimination of tenure is an abrogation of the rights, and responsibilities of those citizens. Posits tenure as a stabilizing counterbalance to the often arbitrary actions of the administration. (MJP)

Presents an account of the philosophical strategies used by the Catholic Church in Ireland to cope with modernizing forces in education. Examines the ways that the Church conscripted and adapted educational reforms that challenged neither the primacy of the Church or the dominant culture. (MJP)

Provides a succinct and useful overview to arguments, pro and con, concerning ability grouping for students. Briefly summarizes the research for and against heterogenous grouping, noting that most of the research is focused on very narrow and specific applications. Argues for an open-minded and flexible approach. (MJP)

Reveals a need for concern on the part of social studies educators about the attitudes of preservice elementary teachers towards social studies. Many preservice elementary teachers evince little interest, and even some hostility, toward the subject. Recommends various strategies for correcting this. (MJP)

Revisits issues related to self concept development in light of a more sophisticated understanding of cultural influences. Examines the construction of a view of self as independent or interdependent and its impact on socialization and development. Suggests ways for early childhood practitioners to increase their sensitivity to the values and…

Discusses how postmodernism applies to Montessori practices and to a specific conflict resolution dilemma. Describes educational practices that have been changed or rethought at one school as a result of research or examination of their relevance to the postmodern world. Asserts that if children are to become critical thinkers, tolerant of…