Teachers who work together to blend academic and career/technical (CT) instruction have found a key to motivating students to complete high school and prepare for college, advanced training and careers. This newsletter highlights key strategies schools are using to join academic and technical studies to advance student motivation and achievement.…

Discusses findings of a survey of 69 public school superintendents on the prevalence of, and attitudes toward, open concept education. Reveals only 11 percent of the 436 schools employ open concept, and superintendents demonstrated negative attitudes toward the concept. (AH)

As middle school educators refine interdisciplinary teaming, numerous challenges have emerged, notably the development of interdisciplinary units and personality-compatible teams, design of instruction to challenge honor students while motivating low achievers, and integration of subject areas into thematic topics. As the New Kids pilot project…

A Texas high school undertook measures to ensure that more students participate with increased confidence and success in advanced in advanced math classes. The challenge was to provide support so students remained in advanced classes--an effort requiring considerable counselor, teacher, and administrator teamwork and encouragement. The process was…

Teaching teams, staff development for teachers, and frequent communication concerning progress are key elements of a Texas district's efforts to improve elementary mathematics instruction without the usual loneliness experienced by teachers attempting change. The most difficult task for teachers was learning to lead their peers. (MLH)

An historical overview of the Texas Small Schools Project (TSSP) from 1960 to 1969 precedes a discussion of statewide, regional, and school activities conducted with TSSP assistance: summer workshops, the testing program, and TSSP staff visitation at the statewide level; inservice training, talented-youth seminars, and health careers programs at…

The adult basic education program of the Texas Extension Division of Texas University was organized to provide educational opportunities for at least 200 undereducated adults, evaluate materials and teaching techniques in actual classroom use, develop a student record and progress chart for reporting and evaluation in local projects, explore…

This document contains 21 addresses, case studies, and other conference presentations, most of them by representatives of the state departments of education and state universities in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado, Arkansas, and Texas: "Measuring Educational Progress"; "Teacher Aides--Who Needs 'Em?"; "Training of…

The program covers two public school districts, Harlandale and San Marcos, and Southwest Texas State University. This report, however, deals only with the San Marcos Bilingual Education Program, which provides bilingual education for pupils in grades K-5 who have limited English speaking ability. Due to parental requests, 19% monolingual English…

The program covers two Texas public school districts, Harlandale and San Marcos, and Southwest Texas State University. This report, however, deals only with the Harlandale Bilingual Education Program, which provides bilingual education for pupils in grades K-5 who have limited English speaking ability. Objectives are: to reduce their educational…

An innovative English and Spanish instructional program for grades six through eight in a south Texas district integrates language and content areas, uses both languages, implements literacy strategies typical of elementary programs, accommodates varying Spanish and English proficiency and limited prior schooling, and employs Mexican teachers as…

Progress toward improvement of educational opportunities in small schools of Texas is being made through this project by (1) improving the quality of instruction, (2) using new methods and techniques of teaching, (3) increasing professional competencies of teachers and administrators, and (4) broadening courses offered. Project schools participate…

In 1970-1972 a Texas high school in a bicultural community piloted a motivational program of English, Language Arts, and Social Studies skills designed to involve disadvantaged students (mostly Mexican American) in positive, creative outlets to alleviate a negative self-concept. Four teachers plus Title I Migrant aides used a team teaching…

This case study focused on the effects of collaborative activities between two teachers and their students. The authors explored the effectiveness of distance learning for adolescents in promoting self-esteem, achievement, and multicultural understanding. In Cultural Connections, diverse students across Texas collaborated on multicultural…