The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), which is regarded as the most significant federal education policy initiative in a generation, was signed into law on January 8, 2002. The purpose of this law is to ensure that each child in America is able to meet the high learning standards set forth by the state in which he or she lives. One of the specific…

The skies were threatening on the morning we visited Cranberry Station Elementary School in Westminster, MD. It had been raining nearly nonstop for two weeks and today did not look like an exception. Hopeful for a change in forecast, the kids all arrived at school dressed in their gym clothes and ready to participate in the school-wide Fun Run, a…

Elementary teachers frequently face the challenge of teaching about their state with limited time and resources. Teaching state or regional history is a longstanding tradition in fourth grade and has been part of the social studies curriculum since the beginning of the 20th century. In addition, national and state standards include attention to…

This paper provides an idea of how to improve computer-assisted instruction effectiveness by incorporating teachers' images and voices into computers. Efforts to increase students' motivations by improving computer-assisted instruction feedback systems through the use of arcade-style video games and animation have proven to be ineffective and…

The advocates for change in the elementary social studies curriculum have offered curriculum revisions without providing a convincing argument for content change. The advocates attack the "expanding environments" sequence, established in 1916 and still used today, and want to include an equal balance of history, economics, geography, and…

A study investigated the responses of 169 elementary school teachers to a questionnaire collecting three types of data: (1) information pertaining to four unique items prepared specifically for elementary school teachers; (2) data regarding seven teaching roles and related activities for each role; and (3) written comments. The two situations…

An interview taped in 1978 with Constance Kamii, a child development researcher who studied Piagetian theory at the University of Geneva, is presented in this document. When asked what teachers of young children should keep in mind, Dr. Kamii talked about teaching to the child's level and cautioned against dealing with symbolic materials, advising…

Considers the setting of priorities for making decisions about school curriculum. Demonstrates how curricula in three schools reflect philosophies and priorities for learning which the schools have established. The evolution of elementary school curriculum is discussed in light of political, social and economic forces. Problems in setting future…

Describes a language arts program and defines a basal reader; the considerable mismatch between the two is argued from the viewpoint of several pedagogical concerns. Illustrates these concerns by a report of the work of informed, decision-making teachers who use basals as only one of many resources. (Author/NH)

There are three types of work in which managers engage: (1) technical, e.g., teaching; (2) administrative, e.g., notification of class outings; and (3) managerial, e.g., department head convening a meeting. Ways in which teachers can avoid the management trap or imbalance between managerial, administrative, and technical work are discussed. (RM)

This paper presents the results of a case study involving Taiwanese elementary teachers who teach science at the elementary grade school level. It advocates the position that a teacher's personal science efficacy belief influences his or her science teaching outcome expectations. It also points to an important metamorphosis that is taking place…

Using a sixth grade classroom as an example, this paper discusses balance within the classroom, including balance of instruction and learning, of intentions and actions, and of relationships. This balance holds teachers in positive tension with students, parents, and the school community. Three metaphors describe pedagogic judgment as the…

Based primarily on stories told by a male elementary school teacher and stories told about him by parents, staff, and children, this paper explores how the identity of this male teacher is shaped. The paper begins by telling a specific story of a student who had wet her pants and how the teacher addressed the matter. Recounted conversations with…

This book presents the uncensored diary of a young, beginning elementary school teacher. She started teaching in an inner-city, Chicago public school, where gangs attacked her class and her own students stabbed a substitute with a pencil. The most trying challenges she faced were from administrators who questioned her unconventional techniques…

Examines the history of teaching at the elementary level in England from 1870 to 1910. Social standing of elementary teachers, numbers of male vs. female teachers, and professionalization are discussed. (RM)