Provides a rationale for developing document literacy--the ability to read and use the many printed forms of information encountered on a regular basis, such as applications, forms, and instructions. Offers practical suggestions for using such documents in middle school classrooms. (EV)

Explores user interface and instructional design of on-line materials. Examines such criteria as accessibility, aesthetic appeal, consistency and layout, customizability and maintainability, help and support documentation, intimacy and presence, and metaphors and maps. (EV)

Reports an interview with Peter Kelman of Scholastic Software. Describes several developments in writing software for elementary and secondary level students. (MM)

Examines the use of pictures by different learners in different ways, and presents guidelines for using pictures in teaching culturally diverse children. The degree of complexity versus simplicity is discussed, the need for effective directional cues is emphasized, and depth and motion cues are described. (LRW)

Tangible tools needed by the instructor of orientation and mobility techniques for people with visual impairments include cane repair tools, a tape measure, a stopwatch, labeling materials, raised-line drawing equipment, a bicycle, compass and map, mace, and evaluation tools. (DB)

Reviews four software programs and describes features that illustrate their creative and utility value: (1) "ClarisWorks" for presentation purposes; (2) "Easy Book" for putting books together; (3) "Nutribase Personal Nutrition Manager" for nutrition education, and (4) "Digital Chisel" for interactive…

A mini-pilot test was conducted by the Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration to develop training on enforcing the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The situation that necessitated the test is presented; mini-pilot test examples are explained; and pros and cons of the mini-pilots are examined. A sidebar contains suggestions…

Ways to use Spanish-language television (STV) for teaching Spanish are described, including management of STV at several classroom proficiency levels. It is concluded that authentic materials should be developed around the students' overall development as well as the textbook. (19 references) (LB)

Suggestions are offered to elementary school teachers for more effective bulletin boards, which encourage hands-on manipulation, reinforce a wide spectrum of concepts and learning skills, provide visual confirmation for learning, and encourage student creativity and hard work. Examples are provided from social studies and language arts. (DB)

Makes suggestions for learning materials to be used in the block area, dramatic play area, the sensory table, and outdoor space to provide opportunities to enhance preschool children's social development. Notes the importance of rotating materials regularly to keep them enticing to children. (KB)

This guide provides instructions to local education agencies about how to use California instructional materials standards maps. California Assembly Bill 699/Canciamilla Chapter 591 of the state Statutes of 2001 requires publishers to submit standards maps to local education agencies (LEAs), so school districts can determine the extent to which…

Though classroom instructional strategies should clearly be based on sound science and research, knowing when to use them and with whom is more of an art. In "The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction," author Robert J. Marzano presents a model for ensuring quality teaching that balances the necessity of…

Prepared to help lawyers have positive and successful interactions with students and teachers, this manual provides lesson plans that have been tested by lawyers in classrooms. The book is divided into three sections. The first section explains law related education (LRE) and contains general information for attorneys preparing to teach. It…

This directory describes curriculum materials that were created between 1974 and 1980 under Title IX of the federal government's Ethnic Heritage Studies Act. The federal act funded development of curriculum materials that introduced and supported ethnic studies in public school and college curricula. Projects were developed throughout the country…

This course syllabus describes a preservice teacher education class titled: "Strategies of Teaching Social Studies and Language Arts with Clinical Experiences." The syllabus identifies the three required textbooks and provides a bibliography. Following the course description, eight course objectives are stated; six assignments are outlined; and…