Middle school science teachers report using textbooks regularly although these textbooks have been criticized for not following standards-based principles for concept learning, and student reading achievement has been stagnant for 20 years. Effective strategic reading instruction has been documented for middle school students but few teachers use…

The purpose of this investigation was to ascertain the effectiveness of Captain's Log, a computerized cognitive-training program designed to improve attention and reduce impulsivity. Participants consisted of 48 children in third through sixth grades, nominated by teachers for classroom behavior that interfered with their learning. Students were…

A sixth grade class is asked: "When should you start thinking about and planning for college?" Most students answer with "tenth or eleventh grade," but invariably some brave soul raises a hand and tentatively responds with more of a question than an answer: "Now?" Yes, now. In 1992, Sallie Mae, the nation's largest…

The "Connected Mathematics Project" ("CMP)" is a problem-centered mathematics curriculum designed for all students in grades 6-8. Each grade level of the curriculum is a full-year program and covers numbers, algebra, geometry/measurement, probability, and statistics. The program seeks to make connections within mathematics,…

EMPHASIS IS ON CONVERSATION. LESSONS ARE DEVELOPED AROUND AREAS OF INTEREST APPROPRIATE TO THIS AGE GROUP (FOR EXAMPLE, "COLONIAL AND MODERN LIVING,""GEOGRAPHY AND HISTORY OF EL PASO," AND "EXPLORATION AND BIOGRAPHY."). SINCE SOME STUDENTS WILL BE NEW TO THE PROGRAM, THE TEACHER IS ENCOURAGED TO GIVE REVIEW UNITS…

This article discusses the advantages of using interactive whiteboards in the classroom. Developed by Smart Technologies, the Smart Board is one of several interactive whiteboards on the market today. Through Smart Board, starters can write, erase, and perform mouse functions with their finger, a pen, or anything with a maneuverable, firm surface.…

Two reporters walk toward the editor to share their article on Panamanian culture. Looking it over, the editor asks for a more detailed description and several pictures. Meanwhile, three other writers huddle around a computer, making decisions on the additional content they need for their article on Panamanian customs. Both articles will be…

Intended to supplement the textbook series "Houghton Mifflin English Grammar and Composition" and to offer students and classroom teachers in the secondary schools a review of research writing, this guide outlines a step-by-step process allowing for thorough student comprehension and comfort with the application of basic research and…

Reports the results of a survey of the opinions of 259 teachers regarding a criterion referenced assessment conducted in Texas during the 1971-72 school year. (JR)

This article discusses a project that placed over 97% of Mars' topography made available from NASA into an interactive 3D multi-user online learning environment beginning in 2003. In 2005 curriculum materials that were created to support middle school math and science education were developed. Research conducted at the University of North Texas…

Describes the writing experiences of a group of gifted fifth and sixth grade students in the Active Learning Experiences in Resourceful Thinking (ALERT) program in Abilene, Texas. (HTH)

The study was designed to examine how intensity of anti-smoking media campaigns and differing types of anti-smoking community-based programs influence young adolescents tobacco use and related psychosocial variables. Sixth grade students attending 11 middle schools in eight study communities assigned to varying intervention conditions were…

This research studies the effects of mobility on the high-stakes test scores of a Title I South Central Texas school district. The study involved 10, 5th-grade elementary feeder school populations graduating to the 6th grade in 3 middle schools. The researcher compared the 1st administration scores of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills…

This curriculum guide presents a sequential program for Grades 6, 7, and 8 in vocational homemaking education in the Fort Worth, Texas, public schools. Concepts, behavioral objectives, generalization, and learning experiences are shown for nutrition and meal management, consumer education, home management and housing, family living, child…

Describes an art activity used with sixth-grade students that was inspired by the work of Wassily Kandinsky and also teaches students about rock art by American Indians living in Texas. Explains that the students learn to use both contemporary and primitive art when creating their "Petroglyph People." (CMK)