This digest explains the concept of visual literacy in science and provides a guide to resources for further study. The case is made that the capacities to both understand and generate technical pictures are fundamental to scientific and technological literacy for students at many levels, from early elementary school to the university level.…

This digest discusses the results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), conducted during the 1994-95 school year, in relation to teaching and suggests resources for further study. The digest includes a description of the study, data collection methods of the study, key results, and details of TIMSS-R, a repeat study…

This digest summarizes research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education. Among the findings are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following individual and group work improves student achievement; and using calculators in the learning of mathematics can result in increased…

Based on a summary of research findings on best teacher practices in mathematics education, which is presented in Part 1, the companion to this digest, recommendations are given to improve mathematics teaching practices. Among the recommendations are: students can learn both concepts and skills by solving problems; whole-class discussion following…

This document reports on the major activities carried out and the major findings produced by the Counseling for High Skills Project. Using a customer satisfaction approach, data were collected from 39,940 currently enrolled students in 2,145 programs in 361 postsecondary institutions in 14 states. The study examined what kinds of persons enroll in…

The National Center for Educational Statistics 1998 Report stated that one in ten schools in their sample reported at least one violent crime over the past year. To promote school safety, educators have used traditional law enforcement methods that rely heavily on surveillance, penalties, and punishment. These methods applied to schools can be…

Describes the characteristics of legalese--inflated and obscure legal language--and suggests strategies for helping present and future document designers create understandable prose. (MM)

Examines ERIC resources for teaching about death and dying. (FL)

Provides content area teachers with teaching strategies designed to integrate writing instruction into their classes, not only to improve student writing skills but also to enhance subject matter learning. (RL)

Presents a sampling of items from the ERIC database concerning the teaching of human geography. Includes documents dealing with Africa, Asia, the United States, Canada, Antarctica, and geographic concepts. Explains how to obtain ERIC documents. (SG)

Defines school-based management as a decentralization of school supervision from the district to the individual school level and discusses the limited effect that has been found to date of this type of management on student performance. Some ways to encourage student achievement through school-based management are suggested. (13 references) (LAE)

This column presents a discussion of the philosophy and practice of inclusion of students with disabilities and a review of five books and articles on inclusive schools; and an annotated bibliography of nine journal articles and reports on gifted students and educational reform. (JDD)

This digest focuses on educators' collaborations among themselves and with parents in reforming schools to serve language minority students well. Examples are provided from the Program in Immigrant Education, a national program working to improve the education of immigrant students in secondary school. Specific attention is focused on the…

This document is an annotated bibliography of currently available instructional materials and resources for use in art education. As teachers strive to implement new emphases on content and learning experiences related to newer aspects of art education such as aesthetics, art criticism, and art history, as well as creative art experiences, they…

This Digest describes several programs designed to foster successful school reform, and examines the Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration (CSRD) Program, recently approved by Congress. Whole-school (or comprehensive) reform includes a cross-disciplinary set of nationwide and local programs, dedicated to the intellectual and personal nurturing…