Concern is growing about the education of the students regarded as least likely to succeed in school. Labeled "reluctant," "at risk," "disadvantaged," "alienated," "resistant," "educational deprived," or what Rose (1995) calls "educational underprepared," these students come disproportionately from low SES (socioeconomic status) families and from…

This study examined the validity and feasibility of a group-administered test of alphabetic reading skills for first-grade students. Two versions of a phonemic spelling test (production and multiple-choice) were administered in classroom groups to 153 students. Measures of vocabulary, phoneme awareness, letter sound knowledge, phonemic decoding,…

The educational establishment should accommodate itself to society's historical shift from industrial production to increasingly service-oriented work functions. Broadening the educational experiences of the labor force to a lifetime approach of self-growth would be consistent with this societal transition. (CJH)

Reviews the contributions of alternative schools to public education over the past decade and predicts diversity and success for the movement in the 1980s. (WD)

The evolution of the California Assessment Program from its legislative origins in 1961 is discussed. The following topics are included: history; analysis and reporting of results; program impact; program assessment; and future changes in emphasis. (MH)

Examines the definition of basic mathematics skills in a discussion of meeting the needs of mathematics students in a changing society. One basic skill is understanding formulas that are used in real life. Challenges teachers to teach students to reason mathematically, improve communication, and build mathematical connections with real-life…

Four high school students with mental retardation and multiple sensory impairments were taught to initiate requests for items or assistance, using dual communication boards and gestures. Following training, students were able to initiate requests with 80 to 100% accuracy using the communication systems at vocational sites, demonstrating a skill…

College and university learning communities build a sense of group identity. Institutions are establishing them for varied purposes and student populations, including first-year interest groups, general education core courses, gateway courses, developmental and basic studies, honors programs, and work in the major or minor. For implementation,…

Using data from a study of two white student teachers in inner city classrooms, the paper analyzes differences in their success through the model of assisted performance (where knowledge is acquired through interaction between more competent and novice individuals in learning situations). Cooperating teachers powerfully influenced student…

Researchers examined procedures for collecting data on students' competency in two fundamental motor skills, criteria for assessing skill proficiency, and results across several grades. They task-analyzed videotapes of students' performance and determined that most students did not meet criterion expectations associated with an advanced form for…

Reading for pleasure and enlightenment is a critical, and endangered, element in a well-informed citizenry. As a basis for intellectual growth, reading is threatened by media misuse and lack of encouragement of recreational reading. Solutions include emphasis on integrated skills, improved time allocation, and cooperation among parents, teachers,…

Examines the nature of competency testing reforms through a multisite investigation of local school districts and states. Argues that competency tests and standards function more as symbolic and political gestures than as instrumental reforms. (FMW)

A longitudinal study examined developments in preschoolers' understanding of literacy and numeracy, comparing learning models based on adult-child interactions or on children's learning processes at preschools with varied reflectivity levels. Children's understanding of symbols related to literacy and numeracy. Developments in their understanding…

Contends that the knowledge, skills, and attitudes advocated by social studies educators are recognized and supported now by business interests. Describes how cooperative learning techniques are adapted and used to restructure business. Concludes that business students prepared for lifelong learning, basic skill competence, communication, group…

With an increase concern for childhood obesity, many individuals and organizations are emphasizing the importance of quality physical education. The need for quality physical education at the elementary level is extremely important as research has shown a relationship between the performance of fundamental movement skills and children's body…