The Oak Park Plan, implemented in the Oak Park (Illinois) School District, was a 2-year (1983-85) project designed to correct four perceived problems: (1) low achievement levels in math for 40 percent of the students; (2) ineffective remedial instruction; (3) declining enrollment requiring an adjustment in personnel resources and service levels;…

This paper describes problems likely to arise as special education students in Great Britain follow the National Curriculum's programs of study in geography. The establishment of National Curriculum attainment targets which are based on prescribed content requires that teachers organize their classes into several groups working on different…

Discusses problems of maintaining higher education geography fieldwork in an era of increasing class size. Presents and describes 13 strategies for coping with these problems. Recommends that individual teachers and geography departments redesign their fieldwork programs in accordance with their priorities. (CFR)

Reports on a qualitative study of complex, sophisticated thinking among 50 preservice art teachers taking an art criticism course. Maintains that the conversational model of instruction helped students understand the higher-order thinking skills associated with art criticism. (CFR)

This handbook was developed to help the teacher deal successfully with physical problems involved in having a child with cerebral palsy mainstreamed into the regular classroom. Characteristics of cerebral palsy are described, and it is pointed out that most children with this affliction have average or above average intelligence. Classroom…

A study was conducted at Bunker Hill Community College to assess the impact of the use of learning groups on student absenteeism and academic performance. The study involved four sections of a Biology 1 class. Two sections were designated as the control group and were taught using the traditional course format, which involved a 2-hour session in…

This presentation provides an overview of research on classroom management, emphasizing results from a program of research conducted at the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education (University of Texas) during the last 5 years. These studies, along with others, provide a basis for describing important dimensions of teacher behavior…

Multilevel foreign language classes are viewed as a challenge that can be met by a careful consideration of wise materials and equipment selection, group dynamics, individualized instruction, and curricular reorganization. (JB)

Reports on a three-year ethnographic study of the visual arts curriculum in three elementary schools. Finds three distinct orientations: (1) the rote, teacher-centered orientation; (2) the open-ended, student-centered orientation; and (3) the higher order, cognitive orientation. (CFR)

An elementary school teacher describes her experiences with language minority students and presents her strategies for teaching the whole class effectively while meeting individual needs. The article offers five suggestions for adjusting teaching to reach all students at once. (SM)

Strategies are presented for developing a sense of ownership in learning, for use with students from culturally diverse backgrounds who have mild to moderate disabilities. The strategies include structuring a physical environment conducive to ownership; encouraging student ownership in classroom management; and encouraging ownership in academics.…

Multi-age education is most similar to the one-room schoolhouse approach. The teacher creates an environment for students of different ages to learn and prosper. The students, working independently and collectively to learn topics of relevance and interest, have increased self-esteem and a more positive attitude toward school. This volume looks at…

Designed for teachers and others involved in the development of early childhood education programs, the resource guide presents a model for teaching children, ages four through seven. Part 1 presents a brief overview of the growth and background of early childhood education in Maryland. Part 2 traces the origins and development of kindergarten…

This collection of 34 lessons offers practical suggestions for addressing the needs of special students in the English/language arts classroom at both the elementary and secondary levels. Concentration is primarily on students with learning disabilities or limited English proficiency. The collection includes an activities chart which indicates the…

A small rural high school initiated an 8-period day to offer students the increased number of credits required for graduation. Elective offerings, elective enrollments, and participation in extracurricular activities increased. Teachers and students liked shorter classes, grades improved, dropout rates declined, and teacher-pupil ratios dropped in…