Examines theories on which basic skills education for the minorities has been based, namely: (1) cultural deprivation; (2) integration; and (3) cultural difference/cultural pluralism. Discusses approaches for teaching English to students who speak other languages and suggests that the bilingual/bicultural approach provides the most benefits.…

These four articles focus on developing basic reading, science, and job search skills: "Reading Program for Vocational Classes" by Augustus Luparelli; "Why Teach Employability Skills?" by Larry Siefferman; "Improving Vocabulary and Reading Skills" by Edythe Conway; and "Science in Everyday Life" by Virginia Eleazer and George Carney. (SK)

Presents one viewpoint supporting the adoption of a core curriculum in science based upon social, egalitarian ideas and concerns for the basics, and another viewpoint opposing a core curriculum based upon the inability of classical sciences as taught to meet general societal and industrial needs. (DC)

Growing social and economic inequalities and political impotency are the sources of functional illiteracy. The current educational emphasis on basic skills will not resolve these problems. Students must harness their collective forces to replace corporate control with democratic power. (Author/GC)

Focuses on: (1) the findings of studies of the characteristics and prevalence of underprepared college students; (2) the status of the basic skills movement and of state-level basic skills testing programs in each state; and (3) responses community colleges must make to deal with underprepared students. (AYC)

The author briefly discusses ten of the important events in education during the last decade. (IRT)

Analyzes a broad range of data examining the relationship among basic skill development, behavior problems, and later negative social development. Results strongly corroborate assumptions that low levels of basic skills at an early age are not per se a precursor of later maladjustment. Includes statistical data and tables. (MJP)

Compares two sections of beginning algebra: one taught online and the other on site. Reports that, although there was no significant difference for exam averages between the two formats, there was a significant decrease in performance by the online students across the exams. Recommends proceeding with online courses cautiously. (Contains 11…

Argues that access to technology can be defined in two ways: (1) what students don't have--the digital divide runs along ethnicity and income lines; and (2) what is available, such as assistive technology for those with cognitive or physical disabilities. Speculates on the future of accessibility. (Contains 25 references.) (AUTH/NB)

This article views literacy as a broad-based set of abilities reflecting intelligence across many competencies, including language, musical, logical, kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, linguistic, and spatial competencies. Described is a model of language competence which allows for assessment of those language skills bearing on academic…

Discusses the lack of study skills found among non-science majors. Provides examples of how science courses differ from other courses. Gives some methods to help students study more effectively. (MVL)

Some states are mandating basic skills testing and encouraging comprehensive universities to provide remedial programs for students who do not pass the tests. Texas House Bill 2182 is an example of this trend and is discussed in light of 10 key issues posed by assessment experts. (Author/MLW)

Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the use of DISTAR, a highly structured direct instruction program used to teach basic skills to disadvantaged preschool children. (FMW)

An individualized, on-site consultation model was used to instruct four classroom aides in teaching social interaction skills to five young children with social delays and 10 nondelayed peers. Increased levels of social interaction were found during training with triads of students, but generalization did not occur until a token system was…

A multiple-probe design across behaviors assessed the effectiveness of a simultaneous prompting procedure in teaching expressive identification of photos of community signs to two elementary students with moderate intellectual disabilities in a small group instructional arrangement. The procedure was effective in teaching both students the…