This book offers an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges and contributions of urban primary schools. The authors set urban education in the wider social context of structural disadvantage, poverty, oppression and exclusion, and reassert some critical urban educational concerns. Recognizing that practice needs to be informed by theory,…

This study examined the predictive power of knowledge, attitudes, support for AIDS education, teaching comfort, perceived behavioral control, religious (Vodoun and Christian) beliefs, and subjective norms on Haitian educators' teaching of HIV/AIDS to their students. Two hundred and fourteen teachers from Jeremie and surrounding areas in Haiti…

The purpose of this paper was threefold: (1) to review the literature; (2) to determine the effects of the use of humor upon stress within the classroom; and (3) to examine the extent to which students and teachers use humor as a coping mechanism to deal with stressful school situations. It was hypothesized that humor in the classroom is effective…

A study investigated how literature-based reading/language arts materials were being used in two "exemplary" third/fourth grade combination classes, the influence of teacher epistemology on classroom instruction, and whether teachers were enacting the whole language emphasis mandated by the state. One of the two participating teachers…

Over the past decade there has been a substantive change in the role of practitioners in educational research. Grassroots efforts in action research highlight the importance of educators' own understanding of their practice. This book, which stems from a school-university collaboration, describes the theory and methods for conducting…

This document was written by teachers and consultants who participated in a 3-year elementary school portfolio assessment project involving 13 school districts in Macomb County (Michigan). The goal of the Macomb Portfolio Project, initiated in 1990, was to develop portfolio assessment models through collaboration using the teacher-as-researcher…

This packet of materials, which draws on findings from research conducted by the Scottish Council for Research in Education, is designed to help Scottish teachers improve discipline in the primary school and classroom. The packet contains three booklets: (1) "Action on Discipline throughout the School," which concentrates on promoting…

When elementary school teachers serve on a committee to select a new basal reader program, they must represent their school's unique needs. To develop their awareness, the selection committee should address such questions as: What kind of program improvements are teachers hoping to get? What kind of articulation will be needed between this program…

This document contains two inservice presentations. Each presentation has a full script with transparencies, handouts, graphs, and a list of materials needed for the presentation. The first presentation describes eight ideas common to both mathematics and reading namely, that: (1) a comprehensive instruction program is needed; (2) educators teach…

This study explored the impact of cooperative learning in a college level laboratory science course by comparing classes taught by a conventional lab-lecture technique. Students in a basic science skills course for preservice elementary teachers participated over a 14-week period. Instruments used were the Science Attitude Survey, Test of Logical…

In assessing coping techniques, the individual is the most important variable; no one technique will be successful for an individual in all situations. Also, stress-reduction techniques must be sensitive to individual differences, both culturally and situationally. Consequently, since no one technique will work for everyone, a stress-reduction…

This paper is intended to provide a basis for discussion about staff development in the mathematics education community. It is directed to those who plan staff development programs intended to improve elementary mathematics teachers' classroom practice. Discussion includes the importance of establishing program goals and considerations of the…

Suggests strategies for improving communications between school media specialists and teachers as a means of establishing a better working relationship and improving library collections and services. An outline of a proposed four-day media specialist/teacher workshop is provided as well as six references and three sources of additional…

Noting that violent behavior is learned, often early in life, this booklet offers early childhood educators helpful violence-prevention information and suggestions based on early childhood research and the wisdom of good practice. The booklet begins by reviewing young children's emotional needs and developmental characteristics, and then suggests…

This handbook offers guidance on how to establish relationships with the school staff, organize and manage an inviting classroom, prepare lessons to engage students, prevent discipline problems, develop partnerships with parents, assess student learning and performance, troubleshoot behavior problems, and develop a teacher portfolio. Chapter 1…