Although data directly linking parental engagement with positive results is limited, administrators, teachers, and parent cite anecdotal evidence--and some numbers about test scores and attendance from individual schools--to affirm the effectiveness of engagement programs. Meanwhile, researchers are studying the keys to successful programs and…

In this study, the authors examined the academic performance of 18 urban districts that participated in the 2009 Trial Urban District Assessment (TUDA) of the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP). The districts participated in grade 4 and grade 8 reading and mathematics assessments. Eleven of these districts also participated in the…

Describes an educational TV series, broadcast in Pennsylvania, called Science for the Seventies (SFTS), which presents science lessons for the elementary level. Each lesson consists of objectives, background information, an equipment list, and four or five related science activities. (MLH)

This K-6 interdisciplinary nutrition curriculum focuses on vegetables and fruits. The lessons use core subjects to promote consumption of fresh, frozen, and canned vegetables and fruits; vegetable and fruit juices; and dried fruits. The lessons also investigate the Food Guide Pyramid. Each lesson plan has a section entitled Extensions. The…

This continuum is designed to be used as a guide to aid science educators, elementary teachers, administrators, and others in developing elementary school science curricula. It is divided into five major competency areas: (1) processes of science; (2) biological science; (3) physical science; (4) earth and space science; and (5) attitudes (toward…

Science Unlimited (Pennsylvania Department of Education's elementary science effort) has developed a series of television programs for use in the primary and intermediate grades. These television programs form an integral part of science lessons which emphasize direct involvement of children with materials and ideas, provide for individual and…

With the advent of new technologies, more convenient and effective ways of learning are being adopted. However, despite the growing advancements there remains a lack of literature in applications of using these technology teaching approaches. This book offers in-depth analysis of new technologies in blended learning that promote creativity,…

This yearbook discusses instructional approaches that are consistent with the reformulation of the school mathematics curriculum by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). Articles included cover: (1) Pennsylvania standards for mathematics programs (including goals, curriculum, instruction, evaluation, teachers, and…

This competency matrix matches the primary and intermediate Science Unlimited lessons with the established competencies which appear in the Science Unlimited competency continuum. Primary lessons deal with: investigating dripping faucets; classification/sorting; smell; eyes; color; air; weather; observation and description; mystery boxes; change;…

Designed for grades six through nine, this manual teaches students how the Pennsylvania juvenile justice system works. It explains what a juvenile can expect if accused of violating Pennsylvania law in the hope of convincing students to stay out of trouble with the law. The manual gives a brief history of juvenile justice and a description of the…

Science Unlimited (Pennsylvania Department of Education's elementary science effort) has developed a series of television programs for use in the primary and intermediate grades. These television programs form an integral part of science lessons which emphasize direct involvement of children with materials and ideas, provide for individual and…

A comprehensive list of concepts and skills for mathematics in kindergarten through grade 8 is provided. The 350 items have been logically organized and sequenced under five major topics: (1) number systems; (2) sets; (3) geometry; (4) measurement; and (5) other mathematical topics. Concepts that are related are cross-referenced by the assigned…

One of the goals of quality education in Pennsylvania is to help every student acquire knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of science and technology. This publication, which focuses on the technology component of this goal, is an initial effort by a team of scientists and science educators to define technology as it should be presented in…

This document provides information about Science Unlimited (SU), the elementary school science effort of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. (The philosophy and characteristics of SU continue the earlier Pennsylvania science program effort entitled Investigative Science in Elementary Education.) The document includes: (1) a list of SU…

Intended for use with children between the developmental ages of 3 and 6 years, this guide for early childhood education was developed by a team of teachers and administrators in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. After a chapter providing background information about early childhood education, discussions focus on the…