States that the combination of group rewards (based on group members' individual learning) and peer interaction on learning tasks is necessary to produce learning gains characteristic of effective cooperative learning methods. Discusses research on group contingencies and cooperative learning in the elementary school classroom.(NH)

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…

Discusses rough-and-tumble (R&T) play and misconceptions about its role in the development of young children. Contrasts R&T with aggressive behaviors. Discusses the educational benefits of R&T and offers recommendations for incorporating it into young children's curricula. (Author/RWB)

Maintains there are many ways to help children develop their language abilities as they learn and that teachers can involve children in activities that bring the children's own knowledge into the curriculum. Illustrated with samples from the science activities of first through third graders. (BB)

This study collected data via a three-page questionnaire administered to active readers 8 to 12 years old and half-hour taped interviews. Questionnaire findings (general information, interests, recent reading, information network), interview findings (book experience, reading taste, libraries, help in reading material selection, lists, reviews,…

A study aimed at developing a methodology for isolating and analyzing the value content of television programs is described and implications for education discussed. Three programs popular with children were found to present positive and negative values with equal frequency, though antisocial values were presented with greater intensity. (MJL)

Points out how figurate numbers (numbers that can be represented by dots on particular geometrical polygonal arrays) can be used to permit upper elementary and secondary students to creatively search for patterns within and among series of figurate numbers. (RH) (RH)

On May 1, 1980, some 20,000 elementary children had their letters and ideas presented to the United States Senate Committee on Child and Human Development to mark the observance of Save the Children Day. This article presents excerpts from 14 of those letters, containing children's views on education. (Author/SJL)

Discusses the prerequisite skills for handwriting and how one can help children acquire them. (Author/MP)

Reports on the reading habits of boys and girls, ages 10 through 14. Argues that boys need to be encouraged to understand how they have been socially constructed as readers and that they need to discuss the implications of the reading choices they make. Suggests that such discussions will help both sexes become more discerning and critical…

A teacher of gifted elementary school students reflects on her experiences using the Foxfire approach and on its value in involving students in experiential learning and facilitating higher level critical and creative thinking skills. Seven of her sixth grade students describe the projects they've completed over the years. (SV)

Focuses on elementary and middle school children, the technology they are embracing, and Montessori methods in education. Connects Montessori philosophy and practices with the concepts of Marshall McLuhan on interactivity and technological change. (ET)

Responds to previous article on validating curriculum-based measurement (Derr-Minneci and Shapiro, this issue). Contends that research reported by Derr-Mennici and Shapiro neither validated curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in reading from behavioral perspective, nor investigated accuracy of CBM. Organizes comments around three points of emphasis…

Responds to previous article on validating curriculum-based measurement (Derr-Minneci and Shapiro, this issue). Contends that, in examining variation in oral reading rate across their three settings, Derr-Mennici and Shapiro's assessment procedures were of unknown accuracy, and that these procedures themselves varied among settings, making it…

Describes a model of adaptable learning that takes into account the interaction between affective and cognitive variables in learning situations, introduces an instrument for measuring relevant aspects of this model, and presents initial results of the application of this instrument to (n=30) 6th-grade students. (53 references) (Author/MKR)