This paper assists teachers in developing grading practices that communicate students' achievements to their parents effectively and fairly. A teacher's personal grading philosophy must be considered in developing a personal plan. Procedural steps in establishing a plan are outlined, and the features of several common methods are compared. (SLD)

Describes art education in elementary schools in Japan and the content of their art textbooks. Maintains that the challenges of developing skills, making choices, and learning about the artistic heritage that are offered to Japanese children also should be offered to U.S. children. (KM)

Because technology is changing rapidly, teachers must keep up with new developments. This article recommends that teachers be proactive, creating their own staff development options and asking questions in order to get started. Suggestions for resources and options are provided, including attending conferences, using video training, and bringing…

Describes strategies to help students learn how to evaluate their own work using portfolio assessment, a gradual process that enables students to think reflectively about their work. The paper discusses what is involved in teaching students to understand the terms and participate in the process. (SM)

Offers suggestions on helping foster children adjust and succeed at home and school. Drawing on advice from a child psychologist and an adoption/foster care expert, the paper discusses how foster care and adoption work, how the school can help, and what the families need. (SM)

Elementary and secondary physical education students can benefit more from class if teachers begin and end class with discussions of the day's activities. Before class, teachers should preview the upcoming material, and after class, students should have a debriefing time for discussion and reflection. Activities to encourage discussion are…

This book provides teachers with strategies for maintaining and increasing appropriate behaviors as well as for preventing and remediating inappropriate behaviors. The 15 chapters provide suggestions and approaches to managing, motivating, and teaching students of all ability and motivational levels. The first three chapters address goals for…

The focus in this report is the concept of what it means to "do mathematics" in the context of a group working committee of teachers and researchers committed to reforming mathematics teaching. During a regular meeting of this group of teachers and researchers, the participants explored the mathematical reasoning embedded in one…

This handbook is designed to be used by superintendents, school district personnel officers, and building administrators who are responsible for assuring proper licensure and assignment of teachers and other licensed employees to specific positions. The handbook is divided into five sections. Section 1 reviews the background and goals of the…

This paper offers suggestions on how to help new teachers during their first year of teaching by offering a mentorship program with an established teacher on the school staff. A mentor is someone to whom the first-year teacher can turn during all the turbulence that is part of beginning any career, but especially for a beginning teacher in a…

This document is a catalogue designed to help motivate students by familiarizing teachers with use and selection of manipulative materials. The first section discusses what manipulative materials are, how to use manipulative materials in instruction, in what branches of mathematics manipulative can be used, what students benefit from manipulative…

In August of 1991, the Colchester (Vermont) Board of Education and the Colchester Education Association (CEA) jointly initiated a Teacher Evaluation Study Committee. The group assumed responsibility for producing a revised teacher evaluation model which would positively impact the district's teaching and learning process. During school year…

Designed for educators who are beginning to explore the Internet, this guide designates sites of interest for K-12 education and describes how to access them. The importance and benefits of Internet access for K-12 schools are discussed in the opening chapters. Guidelines and tips for getting started are offered and scenarios of how teachers and…

"Healthy Choices for Kids" is a nutrition education program based on the 1990 U.S. Dietary Guidelines. This kit, the first of a series, provides elementary school teachers with tools to teach students about good nutrition. This set has five levels (Grades 1-5), bound separately. Each level has its own unit complete with teacher…

This report on regular and special education teachers in public schools presents data on personal characteristics (gender, age, race/ethnicity, and marital status); professional characteristics (educational background, years of experience, certification); geographic region; income (salary and incentives, nonschool employment); and opinions about…