This study investigated the accuracy of classroom teachers' judgments of the reading progress of their low-performing students. Participants were 36 second grade teachers and students in their lowest reading groups (n = 150). Student progress was monitored weekly using reading-curriculum-based measurement (R-CBM) procedures. After 6 weeks,…

Presents a flow chart for turning good ideas into complete proposals before proposing them. The process involves clarifying the idea and assessing its current practicality, value for the program, compatibility with policy, implications, costs, funding sources, and implementation time requirements. (PGD)

One of the best tools for sharpening students' problem solving skills can be found in the mystery story, which calls for logical thinking, paying attention to detail, and distinguishing between facts and assumptions. Activities that can help to develop problem solving skills are described along with several references to mystery magazines and…

Offers two assignments to develop students' problem solving skills: the first focuses on drawing issues, distinguishing key from subsidiary issues, and determining the relative importance of supportive details; the second helps students develop coping skills, relating the known to the unknown in a simulation of the work environment. (RL)

In 1983 the Far West Laboratory's instructional management program established Peer-Assisted Leadership (PAL), a unique professional development program for principals. No longer isolated, principals help each other develop analytical and other skills to become better instructional leaders. MLH)

Educators are provided with five suggestions for evaluating popular articles about learning disabilities. Suggestions include identifying the article's major focus, determining the perspective of the author, evaluating the theoretical soundness of the article, evaluating use of terminology, and evaluating the overall usefulness of the article. (DB)

The Omaha Platform tells us a great deal about the objectives and character of the Populists. In this unit, the platform is converted to a problem format that U.S. history teachers can use to promote critical thinking skills in finding relevant information and evaluating inferences. (RM)

Discusses use and development of case studies for instruction in the decision-making process. Suggests that discussion of a case should focus on questions concerning clarification of issues, exploration of events, evaluation of issues, and implications and application of findings. (KC)

This second of a two-part article on leadership development offers some practical advice on the applications of leadership concepts to the principalship. Provides examples of common leadership myths and selection of an appropriate leadership style. (CJH)

A 1985 "Weekly Reader" survey found that school children predict worsening United States and global conditions that bear no relationship to the rosy futures envisioned for themselves. To help children grasp consequences of large-scale events affecting their lives, some educators advocate using a futures wheel for charting trends and…

A seven-step instructional modification process was devised to match adaptations to individual needs of students with mild disabilities. The steps include clarification of elements under teacher control; decision about whether or not a problem exists; selection and grouping of modifications; and selection of modification option and implementation.…

The model presented forces us to view evaluation from two interdependent perspectives: conceptual and operational. Conceptual processes consist of planning, implementation, measurement, and decision making; operational processes consist of specifying, measuring and comparing objectives against a standard. (Available from: Grantsmanship Center,…

Discusses the value of critical thinking in higher education and the role of the librarian in teaching these skills. Nine questions that students can use to evaluate their readings are listed, and class discussion of library research methods and review of the evaluation questions are recommended. (11 references) (MES)

Examines the lack of information about how children evaluate what they read and why they select particular reading materials. Offers approaches to understanding reading preferences and ways to encourage evaluative skills. Suggests six criteria for selecting good children's literature and ideas about using children's magazines to help express…

Contains two lessons designed to increase student precision thinking skills through a process of questioning, challenging, and revising given statements. Students formulate rules for classifying animals as either domestic or wild and then establish criteria for what is or is not an appropriate pet. (ML)