This study explored the nature and extent of programs and services available for culturally diverse and economically disadvantaged gifted learners. Data were gathered through a questionnaire survey of directors of gifted programs in 49 states and territories and a questionnaire survey of 51 local school districts that have active programs for…

This fifth edition of a review and synthesis of research in home economics education covers the period from 1979 through 1985. The review covers research found in the ERIC database, the Comprehensive Dissertation Index, and professional journals, as well as from solicitations to the field. Criteria for selection include validity and reliability of…

A review of the state of the art of computer applications in foreign language instruction begins with a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of this method of instruction, its history of use, use of natural language, interaction and communication, and types of computer assisted instruction (CAI). A section examining the relationship…

Some 15 to 20 percent of U.S. school children speak a foreign language at home, and the number is increasing rapidly. However, all limited-English proficient (LEP) students are not alike, and their differences must be understood in assessing their performance. It is vital to understand the role of culture and how the cultural background influences…

Terms and concepts currently in use in adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction are defined and explained. They include: authentic or alternative assessment; computer-assisted language learning; critical literacy theory; family and intergenerational literacy; multiple intelligences and learning styles; practitioner inquiry, reflective…

This book presents answers to frequently asked questions about hands-on approaches to science teaching and learning. The questions were formulated by speaking with teachers and teacher educators. Variations of the questions are frequently asked by both experienced and novice teachers. A wide range of answers are presented in a triangulated…

This annotated bibliography comprises 13 items in the ERIC system concerning improving teacher effectiveness. Items cited discuss strategies including an objectives-based instructional program combined with mastery learning, teacher self-assessment techniques, administrators' role in helping teachers adopt more effective practices, improving…

Examining testing practices in other countries can help formulate ideas and issues in establishing a national assessment system in the United States. Based on recent reports by the Office of Technology and Assessment and the National Endowment for the Humanities, this digest provides an overview of the national examinations in several European…

This collection of essays focuses on the administration of contemporary community colleges, including chapters describing the staffing and functioning of major offices and pertinent issues affecting each area of work. The 25 chapters of the book are: (1) "The Challenging Environment: Context, Concepts, and Crises," by Arthur M. Cohen and Florence…

Professional teacher educators recognize that the body of knowledge about teaching and learning is today more substantive, consistent, and authoritative than ever before. It should also be acknowledged, however, that too little of that knowledge is incorporated into the preservice education of teachers. This volume, containing 12 papers presented…

Seven job-related basic skills identified as skills employers want are as follows: (1) learning to learn; (2) reading, writing, and computation; (3) oral communication and listening; (4) creative thinking and problem solving; (5) personal management, including self-esteem, goal setting, motivation, and personal and career development; (6) group…

In order to improve teacher education and the quality of teaching in classrooms, it is necessary to know what characterizes a competent teacher, what the best curriculum is for developing competent beginning teachers, and how teacher competence can be measured. This report summarizes research on those topics and suggests the following: (1) Because…

An annotated bibliography of 11 publications on teacher tenure and teacher dismissal focuses on the responsibility of school policymakers and administrators to establish clear employment policies and maintain teacher evaluation records. Citing numerous court decisions, Joseph Beckham examines tenure, employment qualifications, contractual…

This publication was prepared as a resource guide to teaching strategies that help students understand the background, nature, and pervasive influence of the U.S. Constitution in the lives of every citizen. As the Constitutional Bicentennial approaches, the focus in many social studies classes increasingly will be on teaching about this most…

The review of science education research for 1981 includes individual analyses of approximately 400 dissertation abstracts, journal articles, research reports, and papers presented at conferences. The organization of the review is topical. Topics include: (1) status studies of science education; (2) cognitive style; (3) Piagetian studies; (4)…