This issue reviews publications that provide a starting point for principals looking for a way through the accountability maze. Each publication views accountability differently, but collectively these readings argue that even in an era of state-mandated assessment, principals can pursue proactive strategies that serve students' needs. James A.…

Graphing calculators present a challenging task for mathematics teachers in the classroom. This digest offers four distinct methods for using graphing calculators in mathematics classrooms, including: (1) tools for expediency; (2) amplifiers for conceptual understanding; (3) catalysts for critical thinking; and (4) vehicles for integration.…

This digest informs parents about how to help their child learn mathematics. It discusses what children are learning in mathematics and provides parents with some guidance and World Wide Web resources that can benefit them in assisting their child. Featured topics include setting an example of the usefulness of math, helping children see the math…

The purpose of this book is to give student support personnel tools that: (1) will be recognized by educators as directly related to enhancing academic performance; (2) can be used with confidence that they will have the desired impact on achievement; and (3) are culturally sensitive. Chapters contain detailed presentation of the technology as…

This digest provides an introduction to action research in science education and includes examples of how action research has been used to improve teaching and learning, as well as suggested resources for those seeking to incorporate action research into their own teaching or research. Action research is defined and is examined in science…

This digest provides research on curriculum and assessment in the age of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). The digest presents research on assessment with CAS technology, teacher accounts of assessment with CAS technology and curriculum issues. (Contains 18 references.) (MM)

This Digest explores the practice of looping, a pedagogical strategy in which a teacher advances from one grade level to the next along with his or class. It describes how teachers and students in looping classes need not start from scratch every fall, learning new sets of names and personalities. By spending several years with a class, teachers…

Reviews two approaches to critical thinking and shares seven steps from one approach which promote critical thinking skills. Shares an example of an activity showing how this approach can be used in many areas of the curriculum. (MG)

Summarizes documents from the ERIC database that provide suggestions for integrating disabled students into elementary and secondary school drama activities, as well as information about programs and activities that encourage understanding and appreciation of school children with physical and mental disabilities. (MS)

Argues that strategic reading suggests purpose and intentionality on the part of the reader, which is different from a seemingly reflexive response where skills are concerned or where intuition reveals an answer. Argues that teachers can increase strategic thinking by providing demonstrations of strategies and offering incentives to readers. (RS)

Argues that educators have the intent and the means to develop students who can reason and reflect across all content areas. Outlines three principles involved in teaching critical thinking. (RS)

Asserts that there is a need for sources of information about incorporating specific reading strategy instruction into content area junior high and high school courses. Provides 11 annotations from the ERIC database on the topic of content area reading. (PRA)

Presents annotations of 12 items from the ERIC database which demonstrate that journal writing can be an effective tool for teaching reading and writing at elementary and secondary levels. (RS)

This supplement contains the annual listing of research in mathematics education for 1994. Chapter 1, "Dissertation Research Reported in 1994" (Michael L. Bumbaugh & Sigrid Wagner), lists 251 dissertations abstracted in Dissertation Abstracts International during 1994 along with an index of dissertations by institution. Chapter 2,…

Third Digest addresses several aspects of assigning grades, beginning with a discussion of the variability of test scores, and reviewing the use of standardized scores, ideas on assigning letter grades, and recommendations for grading. An important characteristic of grades as initially recorded, the variability of the scores of each test or…