Based on Larry Hutchins' analysis of the school effectiveness literature, the Profile of School Excellence (PRO-S/E) is a diagnostic tool keyed to 11 instructional and organizational variables which are positively related to effective/excellent schools and which are alterable. The variables are: needs basis; objectives; expectations; roles and…

Reports on a preservice teacher education project in which social studies and English student teachers worked on an interdisciplinary middle school curriculum. Outlines four project goals and five "start-up" conditions. Presents a chronological description of project highlights and three lessons learned from the endeavor. (CFR)

Analyzes national data to trace the development of gender differences in learning opportunities, achievement, and choices in mathematics among white, black, and Hispanic students. Finds that the major barriers to mathematics achievement for for minority student of both sexes are limited learning opportunities and low achievement levels. (CFR)

Contends that, although the concept of integrating language arts or science activities to social studies can be a powerful instructional strategy, it may neglect social content. Suggests that social studies teachers introduce books to their colleagues in other subject areas so they can integrate social studies content into their instruction. (CFR)

Contends that the typical classroom environment is one in which the teacher has full ownership of the curriculum, the rules, student assessment, and other classroom attributes. Recommends student involvement in choosing appropriate curriculum and assessment approaches. (CFR)

This is a checklist for use by science coordinators, school principals, science supervisors, and teachers in identifying strengths and weaknesses of science programs in grades five through eight. It can also be used by science coordinators during school visits. This guide contains space for recording information concerning: school name and…

New York City's Special Education School Articulation Program, which fosters informed student and parent choice about available high school program options, is described. Initial program objectives for the 1990-91 school year included hiring of school articulation coordinators and development of specific articulation plans by middle and high…

This curriculum guide for Indiana's foreign language education (1) establishes what proficiency is at the end of each of four instructional levels, through sets of competencies, or learning outcomes, to be achieved throughout that level; (2) defines progress throughout the sequence of levels in terms that can be readily understood; and (3)…

This report describes a program designed to improve science achievement among students in grades 4-6 in a New Hampshire school. The areas of improvement included physical, earth, and life sciences. Analysis of the problem indicated a need for improved teaching techniques and for additional materials related to the instructional strategies. The…

Reports on a study of 34 high-ability fifth-grade students randomly assigned to individual- or cooperative-learning conditions. Finds that achievement was higher on recall and higher order reasoning measures and that the students demonstrated higher academic self-esteem and greater cohesion in the cooperative condition. (CFR)

As part of an early awareness initiative, the United States Department of Education developed an interactive software package to provide early information to middle school and high school students about postsecondary education opportunities, costs of attendance, and availability of financial aid. This user's guide describes how to install and use…

Intended to help middle grade teachers and school leaders explore conferences as a communication strategy for school family partnerships, this booklet provides guidelines for designing or refining a conference format to meet the needs of teachers, students, parents, and families. Following an introduction, the first section examines scenarios that…

Outlined are the following 11 successful programs, projects, and activities functioning in Hawaii's intermediate schools: Alternative Learning Center (Waipahu and Pearl City Highlands); Career Awareness Exploring through Basic Practical Arts; Career Education Guidance (Kailua); Creating a Positive School Climate; Learning through the Arts;…

Describes a year long laboratory program for third, fourth, and fifth graders. States the goal of the program is to demonstrate what chemistry is, how it is done, and why it is fun and interesting. Provides a syllabus of the experiments and lists educational objectives. (MVL)

Reviews the debate about history education and curriculum restructuring in Great Britain. Discusses three aspects of these efforts: (1) public discussion about the emerging national history curriculum; (2) attention to promote experiential learning outside the classroom; and (3) increased awareness of the role of American studies. (CFR)