The "2009 State Preschool Yearbook" is the seventh in a series of annual reports profiling state-funded prekindergarten programs in the United States. This latest Yearbook presents data on state-funded prekindergarten during the 2008-2009 school year. The first report in this series focused on programs for the 2001-2002 school year and…

This position paper offers a review of the recent criticisms levelled against the products of the National History Standards committees and addresses those criticisms. The four issues of controversy suggested for consideration when examining the U.S. history or world history volumes include: (1) Who wrote these books? (2) Are the standards…

The introductory chapter provides an overview on mathematics instruction in Kenyan schools. A survey was conducted largely in the Kigumo division in Murang'a District Central Province to determine problems affecting mathematics instruction in Junior Secondary classes and measures to improve standards. Respondents were 20 head teachers not…

Summarizes the academic preparation of secondary school science teachers in Idaho by science subject. Reveals that the extent of some problems appears to be greater than reported in the literature. Reports that only 57% of Idaho science teachers were endorsed to teach the subject they taught. (CW)

This annual report combines the November, January, April, June, and August provincial results in diploma examination courses in Alberta, Canada. The graphs, tables, and text describe student performance for the entire school year. The report is designed to assist school personnel in identifying patterns of student achievement in Alberta and…

Analyzes leading journal citations for introductory sociology textbooks to determine if there has been a decline in the quality of such textbooks. Discovers a greater percentage of citations to earlier textbooks. Suggests, however, that this could be due to expanded publishing opportunities and the emphasis given to original research. (MJP)

Between 1986 and 1993 Australia developed a national curriculum framework of statements and profiles in eight learning areas. These areas were (1) English, (2) mathematics, (3) science, (4) studies of society and the environment, (5) arts, (6) health and physical education, (7) technology, and (8) languages other than English. This development…

Nedelsky (1954) has suggested a procedure for determining the minimum passing score on a multiple-choice test. In this procedure expert judges estimate the probable score of a minimally competent examinee. The technique does not refer to the students' performance data. The purposes of this paper are: (1) to introduce a modification to the Nedelsky…

New developments in testing in the United Kingdom (UK) since 1965 are described. Standardized testing at the local level declined dramatically with the widespread introduction of comprehensive secondary education. However, in the late 1970's widespread local testing programs were re-introduced for the purposes of monitoring student progress,…

Examines the different characteristics and consequences associated with the various methods and genres of academic publishing. Reveals that gender, rank, and type of institution (public or private) play an important role in the reception and dissemination of academic research. Includes 13 tables of statistical data and several citation analyses.…

To test whether elementary social studies texts have changed in response to the back-to-basics movement, a content analysis was made of selected basal texts series published between 1969-1972 and reissued between 1979-1982. Quantitative data, anecdotal data, and educational criticism were used to compare eight matched text series for knowledge…

Summary tables compare, item by item, the recommendations of the National Commission on Excellence in Education, the Twentieth Century Fund Task Force, and the Task Force on Education for Economic Growth. These recommendations propose reforms in most or all aspects of formal education, including curriculum, academic standards, instructional…

Examines an interdisciplinary and creative process that uses travel journal entries as the basis for a short story. Included in the process is a delineation of geographic themes. Discusses possible uses of this approach in the classroom. Includes a sample short story. (MJP)

This paper argues that programs for at-risk youth tend to overemphasize student adjustment and the mastery of institutional customs at the expense of instilling learning dispositions that might lead to the postsecondary educational training now required to find adequate adult employment. Programs often focus on drawing students into a more…

Surveys a number of clinical doctor of philosophy, clinical doctor of psychology, counseling, and school psychology doctoral programs to ascertain the importance of various admission criteria. Reveals that, while some programs favor a terminal master's degree, the clinical programs viewed them negatively. Briefly discusses other admissions…