In this article, the authors discuss the creation of an Urban Dual Credential Program (UDCP) at a large, comprehensive state university in California, a program meant to prepare dually-certified teachers in general education (California Multiple Subject Credential) and special education (California Education Specialist Credential in mild/moderate…

This paper presents findings from a 4-year project that developed and implemented a blended inquiry science and English Language Development (ELD) program in a large urban California school district. The sample included over 2,000 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Participating students' English and science achievement was compared to a…

In this study the authors examined the psychometric properties of the "Student Risk Screening Scale" (SRSS), including predictive validity in terms of student outcomes in behavioral and academic domains. The school, a diverse, suburban school in Southern California, administered the SRSS at three time points as part of regular school…

In May of 2011, the "Los Angeles Times" published, for the second time, results of statistical studies examining the variation in teacher and school performance in the Los Angeles Unified School District, based on the California Standards Tests for math and English Language Arts (ELA). The studies use data from the seven academic years…

It's not often that the goals of closing the achievement gap, providing professional development opportunities to teachers, and benefiting children by using innovative and effective instructional methods coincide. But at Sutterville Elementary School in Sacramento, CA, they do. This article describes the School-Wide Success (SWS) program, its…

Does poetry have a place in elementary education? Can reading and writing poetry offer elementary learners a way to imagine (and to image) the world through personal insight, to organize and interpret their experience, and to discover meaningful connections to other areas of knowledge? If so, how should these modes of interaction and…

This catalog lists both recommended and non-recommended bibliographies of instructional materials for California kindergarten through eighth grade English/language arts teachers and explains the choices of the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission. The California State Board of Education adopted the commission's…

Encourages California teachers to use "The Roberts English Series" as effectively as possible by implementing and modifying it to suit the needs of students; based on a speech given to California Reading Association (Fresno, California, November 2, 1968). (SW)

Short evaluations of all instructional materials (books, filmstrips, cassettes, kits) adopted by the State of California in 1974 are given in the fields of English, spelling/handwriting, and literature. Piloted reading materials were also evaluated. The evaluations were performed by two or more local elementary teachers or educators and are…

Describes a project to integrate teaching of the separate language arts in three California elementary schools. Includes the philosophical statements of the project; guidelines; activities for before, during, and after reading; and a positive evaluation of the project. (HTH)

Designed for publishers and producers, this document initiates the annual subject area(s) adoption of basic instructional materials for California schools, kindergarten through eighth grade. The document presents an overview of the total instructional materials adoption-distribution process, specific instructions relating to initial submissions…

ENRICHED ACTIVITIES DEVELOPED BY TEACHERS ARE LISTED IN OVERLAPPING SUBJECT AREAS. MATERIALS, GAMES, AND EXERCISES IN ARITHMETIC, LANGUAGE, MUSIC, READING, SCIENCE, AND SOCIAL STUDIES ARE ALSO LISTED. EXAMPLES ARE--(1) AN OUTLINE CLASSIFYING AN INSECT AND OBSERVING ITS HABITS, (2) ARITHMETIC PROBLEMS TO DEVELOP LOGIC IN SOLVING WORD PROBLEMS, (3)…

This document describes changes in language arts instruction that are designed to recognize the unique strengths and abilities of Chapter 1 and migrant education students. The document also describes a particular vision of a new language arts program for these students, a program designed to teach to their strengths and provide them with…

Describes a California State Department of Education reading assessment that indicated improvement in reading achievement for some third-grade classrooms and decline in others. Explores the "teacher" factors that account for the difference. (HTH)

A study has been examining current directions in state education agency efforts to reform the elementary school language arts curriculum in four large, geographically diverse states with different policy mechanisms--California, New York, Wisconsin, and Texas. To understand policy development and implementation and discern how advocates advance a…