The author criticizes the Rockefeller Report, "Coming to Our Senses," for implying that elementary classroom teachers should teach art, when most lack the necessary training. She proposes new art training and certification requirements for prospective teachers, inservice courses for current teachers, and employment of additional art…

The complexities surrounding the relationship between state content standards and improvements in student reading achievement are examined. A case study of one California elementary school reveals that its ideal outcomes--use of standards in curriculum planning and improved test scores--were complex, involving district initiatives, curriculum…

Local alliances of elementary, secondary, and college and university foreign language and literature teachers meeting regularly to improve foreign language programs and enrich the quality of their own intellectual and professional lives are a growing phenomenon in the United States. The groups have challenged the hierarchically organized system of…

Examines the role of classroom-based research in relation to Montessori's thoughts about scientific pedagogy. Presents three models of on-site evaluation of pedagogical effectiveness that can be carried out by classroom teachers who work with children every day. (BB)

Describes the purpose and history of guidelines posed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for teacher education in baccalaureate and advanced degree programs. Summarizes the result of the review processes, describing how the new curriculum guidelines differ from the earlier versions and how the guidelines can be used to…

Describes how one independent Hawaiian school worked to situate technology within its program and how its headmaster affected the progress. Because students had been exposed to varying levels of computer technology, a planning team had to determine a direction for its program. The plan included computer instruction for school staff. (SM)

Reports a study that examined the use of phonics instruction in fundamentalist Christian schools. Interviews with Christian educators and professionals at conferences indicated that support for phonics (because it is felt to be more traditional and to work) and distrust of the whole language approach is common among Christian educators. (SM)

This study compared levels of computer use by 170 practicing elementary school teachers with 167 preservice teachers' expected levels of use. Results of questionnaires assessed levels of computer use, self-competence in the use of computers, perceived relevance of computers to teaching, teacher locus of control, and teacher innovativeness.…

The current interest in reflective approaches to teacher education is examined, arguing that the move toward more reflective orientations toward teaching and teacher education must be viewed in institutional contexts and structural adjustments in Western capitalist systems. A more socially, culturally, and politically reflective approach to…

A teacher educator reflects on how her beliefs and practices about the facilitator's role in teacher education were shaped by participation in an elementary teachers' study group. Issues examined include sharing ideas and expertise, establishing credibility and shared vulnerability, negotiating personal and group agendas, and becoming a learning…

An elementary teacher reflects upon 18 years of experience teaching in Hawaii, moving from understanding her own culture to awareness of and sensitivity to her students' heritage. She considers her best teaching experiences the bridge building between herself and her culture and her students and their culture. (SM)

Discusses the ways in which a group of first graders used literacy events to demonstrate their understanding of the functions and purpose of print. Students prepared signs and messages to each other during a three-day camping excursion. Examples of student signs are included. (BB)

What has been said about what teachers do and know is integrated into a theoretical framework for the education and assessment of teachers, addressing (1) why a theoretical framework is necessary; (2) what a comprehensive framework might be; and (3) how the proposed framework might be used. (SLD)

Discusses links between National Board of Professional Teaching Standards certification and staff development. The assessment includes on-site teacher portfolios and assessment center examinations covering subject matter and teaching ability. Recommends that school districts provide staff development to help teachers acquire knowledge and skills…

Describes an environmental education workshop in which scientists, environmental educators, and elementary and secondary school teachers from the United States and Ecuador participate in workshops to raise the awareness of rural communities in Ecuador about conservation and environmental issues. Differences between U.S. and Ecuadorian schools are…