The notion of learning styles, and the multiple intelligence theory from which some of this derives, has come to be one of the dominant themes in the discourse on learning and teaching. This article argues that much of the language associated with this recent educational phenomenon is misleading for teachers. The author argues that instead of…

This summary reviews the rationale for defining English language arts standards for K-12 students and the perspective on language learning that informs them. After presenting 2 of the 12 standards and discussing them briefly, the summary provides a vignette to illustrate how the standards might be manifested in a classroom setting. (RS)

This booklet explains the background, rationale, and issues addressed in the NCTM Curriculum and Evaluation Standards. A detailed vignette of a classroom lesson is presented as an example of what is envisioned for the future. A comparison of the differences between the reform urged by the Standards and the efforts of the "New Math"…

The roles that school counselors play in schools can vary from school to school, from school district to district, and from state to state. To be effective in their positions as highly trained counseling and human development specialists, school counselors must be clear about their scope of practice. National standards for school counseling…

The National Science Education Standards (NSES) provides few resources for teaching about plants. To assure students understand and appreciate plants, the author advocates teaching about plants as a basic biological concept, avoiding animal chauvinism in biology coursework, correcting pseudoscience and anthropomorphisms about plants, and making…

In the last decade there has been a whirlwind of change in policies affecting social studies education. Among the most noteworthy changes have been a national commission on social studies, subject-centered national standards, statewide high-stakes testing, school restructuring, and performance assessment. All of these changes have ramifications…

Assesses the meaning and possible consequences of national standards, including content, Opportunity for Learning, and performance standards. States that multicultural literacy is the missing standard. (SK)

Argues that the "Standards for the English Language Arts" (SELA) gives English teachers direction. Discusses what "teaching English" means. Suggests that SELA is not a prescriptive list of measurement items nor a cookbook for skillful English teaching: SELA is a statement of principles of, for, and by professionals, and a K-12 statement of…

Traces the public furor that greeted the National Council of Teachers/International Reading Association's "Standards for the English Language Arts." Discusses responses to criticisms. Argues that the language in the "Standards" is flat; the standards are meant to be guidelines, not mandates; and the emphasis was on process. (RS)

Provides a rationale for physical education in the schools. Examines standards set by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), and their implication for instruction and program support. (HTH)

Argues that no solid basis exists in the research literature for developing, placing, and aligning educational standards in school curricula or for placing subject-matter content at specific grade levels (scope and sequence). Welcomes input from readers who have information regarding educational standards and their development, placement, and…

Makes a case for why the National Council of Teachers of English should participate in the K-12 movement to develop curriculum content standards. Explains that curriculum content standards do not strive to impose teaching practices on teachers but rather encourages the discussion of standards on the local level. (TB)

We must determine national standards, an acceptable degree of student achievement, and ways to guarantee equity while encouraging excellence. Any school can increase its graduation rate by decree through social promotion and lowered grading scales. The shift to standards means a shift to measurable outcomes, true learning, and a quality product.…

Controversy surrounds the recently released voluntary national standards for U.S. history and world history. At the center of the debate is the issue of how history should be portrayed. Directions for ordering copies of the history standards and sample passages from the standards guidebooks are provided in sidebars to the article. (MLF)

The National Policy Board for Educational Administration, an umbrella organization of 10 national groups, is focusing on preparation and certification programs for the principalship. Describes the board's activities and cites arguments for professional certification by an independent national board. (15 references) (MLF)