Explores the positive impact of the non-formal education programme (NFPE) of the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) in the achievement of basic education for rural Bangladeshi children. Assesses three groups with different educational experiences: (1) children who attended BRAC's NFPE, (2) those attending formal school, and (3) children…

Henrico County (Virginia) Public Schools' alternative programs are becoming lifelines for troubled and/or underachieving students at all grade levels. Each program is well structured; stresses high behavior, achievement, and attendance standards; and has small classes, a caring ambience, supportive parents, and clear, consistent expectations for…

A series of focus group studies conducted by the Public Agenda Foundation explored public reactions to educational standards in 1993. This study revealed broad and spontaneous support for the idea that higher expectations will produce higher achievement. The strong endorsement of higher standards was also a manifestation of the public's concern…

Describes one educator's efforts to spread the word to Latino immigrants about free English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classes at the local community college, which he considers key to helping them adjust to life in the United States and create a better quality of life. The program includes basic training in ESL, remedial education, job training,…

Schools can change and become more effective in teaching the basic skills to all students, and states can help them. After 15 years of studying change in local school districts, researchers have identified a number of promising strategies for managing schools, training staff, providing technical assistance and developing new materials. Some of the…

Discusses recommendations for changes in the vocational agriculture curriculum: the need for excellence in basic skills education, communication between parents and educational groups, expertise in competing in the world market, staff development, improved instructional materials, modern educational facilities, adequate budget, administrative…

Discusses program and instructional attributes that characterize effective programs for limited English speaking elementary students. Emphasizes the importance of bilingual instruction. (FMW)

Reviews following computer materials: Coordinate Math; How the West Was One + Three x Four; Math Facts Lottery, Basic Skills Game; Math Tutor, Division; Now You See It, Now You Don't; Pinball Math, Basic Skills Game; Place Value-Add/Subtract; Quarter Mile; Regrouping; Sailing through Story Problems; Scope Math, Computer Mathematics Course for…

The article discusses the benefits of craft, design, and technology (CDT) activities for children with special educational needs. Activities such as craftwork can contribute to improved motor skills, self-image, and basic language and math skills. CDT teachers are encouraged to adapt their teaching methods and styles to meet special needs. (JW)

Emphasizes understanding the social psychology of individual and community resistance to schooling in classes of adult students in job training programs. Points out that basic unit of educational organization should be the group of teachers, that classes should be organized as work groups which should share the tasks of education and everyday…

Upgrading workers' skills to ensure continued regional economic growth was the theme emerging from a three-day Appalachian regional conference. Participants discussed problems and made recommendations in four workshops: Future Jobs in Appalachia; Directions for Vocational Education; State Training to Support Economic Development; and Improving…

A reply to a critique of the article "Integration of Basic Skills: The Great Deception in Elementary Social Studies" (Social Studies, Nov-Dec 1982), this article argues that reading about social studies will not teach social attitudes or problem-solving behaviors. (RM)

The Culturally Appropriate Teaching (C.A.T.) method combines the "Back to Basics" paradigm with a culturally oriented approach and has proved to be successful in Black colleges and adult education programs. The C.A.T. method improves the reading levels of students by two years per semester and gives them standard English as a skill in one or two…

The author focuses on some of the research needs for early adolescents (ages 10 to 15). It highlights areas in which federal policy concerns intersect with developmental research, and discusses six areas: social equity, basic skills, school discipline, parent participation, and school effectiveness. (Author/KC)

Steps taken by various states and individual institutions to determine a minimum level of accomplishment among students and to define the basic components of a college education are outlined. These include curriculum evaluations, standards review, and testing. (JMF)