Emphasizes that since adults seek basic reading instruction for a variety of reasons (e.g., to further job status, to improve skills for their children's sake), planning programs should provide theory-based instruction that focuses on learner needs. (NKA)

This study describes problem solving instruction by nine seventh grade mathematics teachers and compares it to basic skills instruction. Comparison of the activity structures and teacher and observer ratings reveals few major differences between types of instruction. Between-teacher differences in activity structures were greater than differences…

Offers 11 recommendations (based on the success of vocational training programs established at Wisconsin's Ethan Allen and Lincoln Hills correctional high schools) for establishing a curriculum that meets problem students' needs. (IW)

Describes innovative programs which use computers to help students to improve writing and mathematic skills in the Baltimore City Public Schools. The programs include a joint project with Goucher College, a federally funded project for disadvantaged pupils, and a joint venture with the State Education Department. (SED)

An environmental intervention model to improve the learning environment in Black colleges is proposed, including a skill development component, revitalized testing, an integrated reading program, junior-level comprehensive examinations, and an analytical reasoning course. (MSE)

Describes a three-week unit with disadvantaged students in an alternative school called "Outsiders: Literature and Life," which focused on experiences of alienation, involved reading "The Outsiders" by S. E. Hinton, and culminated in the production of a magazine of student-written oral histories. (EL)

Examining the history of a "promotion by achievement" program begun in 1973-74 in Greensville County, Virginia, the authors argue that the effects of the program were not racially discriminatory as alleged by a 1980 suit that led to the program's termination in 1981. (JBM)

The high school diploma is attacked as providing inadequate evidence of student development, socialization, and achievement. Discussed are major potential consequences of the movement towards "competency-based education" affecting college admissions, curricula, graduation requirements, and student learning. (AF)

Occupationally specific vocational training pays off for disadvantaged students, but only if graduates work in the jobs for which they were trained. The implication is that vocational educators must help make sure that the skills they teach are used. (JOW)

Innovative or adaptive behavior of 86 eighth-grade students was rated by themselves, parents, and teachers using the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory. The inventory was found to be reliable, stable, and valid. No significant differences between male and female students' scores were exhibited. Correlation with scores on the Comprehensive Test…

Describes the Technology Intervention and Support Program (TISP) at Kent State University, designed to improve the English and mathematics skills of academically disadvantaged technology students at the Ashtabula and Trumbull campuses. Discusses program objectives, participant selection and recruitment, and implementation processes. Profiles TISP…

Discusses decision making and politics in teacher education. In Papua New Guinea, poor command of the English language led to implementation of an intensive, controversial program in teacher education colleges. The article presents comments on teacher education, language, and competency testing in England, Wales, Brazil, Canada, and the United…

Reviews research findings concerning elementary education in the inner city. Explains low-income children are vulnerable to school failure before entering school. Examines classroom variables and instructional factors, claiming conventional schooling places low demands on students. States research provides a model for making data based decisions…

This interview with Percy E. Pollard, Jr., Director of the Cultural and Human Services Program of International Business Machines, discusses new requirements for basic skills and competencies for American workers and considers the role of the private sector in the reforms needed for education and employment training. Women and minorities can take…

Considers how sex discrimination and sexist language have affected educational environments, particularly basic writing and English-as-a-Second-Language instruction. Provides four practical suggestions for college teachers of bilingual and/or bidialectical students to alleviate such attitudes and behaviors. (HB)