Reports the results of various studies conducted in Australia to determine national reading standards. (AEA)

Argues that one critically useful approach to a standards-based educational system is the learning style approach--that is, addressing the learning style strengths and preferences of students. Discusses what learning style means; notes research on its effectiveness; and discusses strategies and teaching-style characteristics to help students meet…

This article discusses reasons for explicit pronunciation instruction, despite the continued neglect of this area in the communicative classroom. "ACTFL/NCATE Program Standards for the Preparation of Foreign Language Teachers (2002)" and "Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century" (National Standards, 1999) dictate that teachers…

During the past 12 years there was a sudden and unexpected consensus held by U.S. Congressmen and Presidents that students in U.S. public schools were learning less than they should. Moreover, the conservatives and liberals agreed that the proper policy response to this public problem was to raise education standards. Recent years brought five…

Reviews the National Science Education Standards for science classrooms and gives examples of practice in the following areas: overcrowding, class size, individual workspaces and workstations, teacher preparation, discipline, hiring practices, scheduling, safety audits, and facilities and equipment. (Contains 44 references.) (SK)

Suggests specific ways in which laboratory activities might be slightly modified to increase students' understanding in science, based on recommendations from the National Science Education Standards and on constructivist understandings of the learning process. Contains 42 references. (WRM)

For nearly 20 years the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) has been conducting the Shape of the Nation Report every few years to summarize information for the profession and the public regarding the status of physical education in the American educational system. The preeminent national authority on physical education…

Presents a historical overview of standards for school libraries and media centers, particularly as they apply to schools for the deaf. The development of national standards is described; the influence of standards on the profession is discussed; and the deaf school population and school programs for deaf children are described. (30 references)…

Contends Great Britain's National Literacy Strategy is a deskilling initiative based on unsubstantiated claims that its proposals are more effective than previous methods. Examines evidence for the myth that teachers do not teach literacy effectively and need to be retrained; finds no valid research supporting it. Points to the real, inescapable…

Compares the standards of school counseling with other student services' standards in the United States. Discusses the emergence of the school counseling profession and the development of standards for school counseling programs. Argues there is a need for enhancement of the role and responsibilities of counselors. (Contains 20 references.) (GCP)

Using literature in science instruction has the potential to increase student motivation and to improve student achievement in both literacy and science. The process of identifying high-quality picture books, however, can be challenging and time consuming for teachers. The authors identified 74 science-based picture books from the annual Teachers'…

When selecting a trade book for use in the social studies classroom, teachers must ensure that it represents high quality literature that will be interesting to students. This process involves examining such literary elements as characterization, plot, theme, setting, author's style, and point of view. The book must also match the theme or goal in…

Reviews history of public library standards development and needs. Publications dealing with accreditation, measurement of effective library service, alternatives to standards, state and national standards, and a planning process manual are discussed. Twenty-four references are provided. (EJS)

Summarizes federal and state actions regarding national standards and describes two private groups: the College Board and its partner the Educational Testing Service; and the New Standards Project, a joint effort of the National Center on Education and the Economy and the Learning Research and Development Center. (MLF)

Comparison of the occupational therapy assistant field in Canada and the United States shows rapid growth and development in the latter of formal training, standards, accreditation, regulation, and certification. Canada, in contrast, has no national standards, accreditation, or certification and appears to have resisted professionalization.…