Discusses the uses and effect of computers in schools. Describes and discusses the three general categories of services and activities associated with microcomputer applications that are provided by the Tennessee State Department of Education: instructional support tools, curriculum programs and literacy activities, and technical assistance. (SB)

The School Improvement Project demonstrates that when schools rigorously implement activities that address the five "Edmonds Factors," gains in student achievement and staff attitudes can be made. These factors are (1) strong administrative leadership; (2) emphasis on basic skills; (3) an orderly school climate; (4) ongoing student…

A university English department's writing center uses peer tutors trained in questioning, explanation, and constructive criticism techniques. Among the issues raised are tutoring adult students and writing across the curriculum. The program has been an effective method of encouraging good writing. (MSE)

Describes a pilot project for pupil tutoring in which six "persistent truants" (aged 15 plus) were placed in a primary school to tutor 12 children ages five through eight who had been identified as "slow learners" by their teacher. (Author/CT)

Presents Mina Shaughnessy's thoughts on why English professors dislike the teaching of writing, what is needed in writing research, the disadvantages of being a writing teacher at an open admissions school, what open admissions policies have revealed about education in general and basic writing instruction in particular, and writing evaluation…

Results of a study surveying a sample of students from grade 12 (with and without business training) indicated that most high school graduates do not have business skills sufficient to manage their personal business, and that business educators are not providing these skills. Survey questionnaire and statistical tables are appended. (MF)

Explains declining academic standards as at least partially the result of two decades of innovative teaching. Describes the predicament of high school graduates who cannot read. Explains the hazards of affective, innovative teaching, and the anticipated benefits of returning to traditional education mixed with limited and proven innovative…

Rebuts David Noble's critique of "technology fever" in the same "Educational Leadership" issue. Evidence shows that technology improves students' mastery of basic skills, test scores, writing, engagement in school, attendance, and deportment. Technology adds value to the curriculum when integrated into a comprehensive plan for…

This essay discusses the difficulties many English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students face when mainstreamed into academic content courses while still enrolled in ESL classes. The author demonstrates the benefits of pairing an ESL speech class with a content area course as a method for improving English language skills. (Contains 44 references.)…

This article describes the Dina Dinosaur Social, Emotional and Problem Solving Child Training Program for young children with conduct problems. The program emphasizes training children in skills such as emotional literacy, empathy or perspective taking, friendship and communication skills, anger management, interpersonal problem solving, and…

Discusses recent curricular and instructional reforms, collectively called basic skills restructuring, that have developed in urban schools. Discusses these reforms as a response to various crisis tendencies in the operation of schools by dominant power groups. Discusses the causes and effects of top-down curricular reform initiatives. (JS)

Secondary vocational education may often fail to develop students' thinking skills, because of teacher-student "negotiation" on academic standards and class content. Proposes engaging a diverse group of students in academically integrated coursework emphasizing experiential learning, basic skill training, entrepreneurial activity, decision making,…

Examines the impact of multiple skills assistance on preservice teachers preparing for standardized tests. Finds significant gains in reading, mathematics, and writing skills. Demonstrates that a single comprehensive skills laboratory operated by a differentiated staff is a sensible method of procuring appropriate intervention for future teachers.…

Discusses two conceptions of educational achievement: as mastery of basic skills and facts and as mastery of higher order skills and advanced knowledge. Explores the impact of the different conceptions on research topics, the ways teachers think about their teaching, and the public's view of educational goals. Changes in conceptions are discussed.…

Describes a project in which educators from several rural Missouri school districts cooperated in meeting state directives to define basic skills being taught, monitor student progress in those skills, and evaluate and improve teacher performance. Points out the short- and long-term benefits of this cooperative venture. (SV)