Discussion of creativity in writing focuses on a study of eighth graders that compared results of an expository writing assignment completed on word processors with the assignment using pencil and paper. Students' ability levels are considered, and revision processes are examined. (LRW)

Robert P. Moses, teacher and Civil Rights activist, discusses contributions of his Algebra Project for predominantly minority youngsters in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Taking and passing algebra in the eighth grade qualifies students for high-school honors math courses and improves their chances to enter college. Transforming neighborhood schools is…

A multimedia reading program for seventh and eighth grade students is presented. Methodology for the seventh grade course consists of designating a particular type of literature for each month of the school year. Story assignments, book reports, and teaching units all revolve around this type of literature. Students read aloud from radio and…

Presents the Wilkinson Scales for writing assessment and shows how one eighth grade student's essay, using the scales, can be evaluated for grammatical and mechanical problems without devaluing the emotion that went into its composition. (JC)

This paper presents a secondary analysis of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) dataset. The study explores differences in the NAEP fourth, eighth, and twelfth grade reading scores by students' gender across the years 1992, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2002, and 2003. The study used the NAEP National Public School data. The statistically…

Discussion of hypermedia-based instruction (HBI) focuses on the effects of cognitive style on student achievement. The development of interactive software for eighth-grade students studying computer ethics is described; gender differences are examined; problems are identified; and information-accessing frequency is discussed. (LRW)

Argues that local history collections in the public library can be used by teachers to make their lessons challenging and more meaningful and outlines factors a public librarian needs to consider in developing cooperative teaching programs with schools using primary documents. Sample exercises for fourth and eighth graders are included. (six…

President George W. Bush's approach to education policy has earned him cautious plaudits from otherwise hostile critics, who see much to admire in the implementation of standards for education. However useful such standards for testing students' technical skills like arithmetic and reading, they create problems for less-standardized processes like…

This field experiment begins to build a theoretical framework for exploring the effects of media characteristics on subjects' understanding and integration of information. Students in two eighth-grade science classes wrote term papers with one class using a print encyclopedia and the other an electronic encyclopedia to conduct their research. A…

The basic premise of the paper is that the Constitution should be the main theme of courses in United States history at grade 8. Students should study a unit on the Constitution, as is commonly done at that level. In addition, other units taught throughout the school year should emphasize constitutional principles, values, and issues. Three…

Argues that first-year algebra should be taught in eighth grade. Outlines an algebra course that could provide average students with a working kowledge of algebra. Proposes that this would require students to have experiences with variables, equations, formulas, and graphs during previous years of study. (TW)

Describes the comprehensive curriculum approach and teacher training program on the Jewish Holocaust that has been developed for adolescents by Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit organization. Course objectives, problems teachers will encounter, and student response are discussed. (MBR)

An example is provided of an evaluation in which the formulation of explicit decision rules was a central activity. The case for and against the use of decision rules in program evaluation is considered, and the appropriate context identified. Implications for the rights of decision makers are addressed. (Author/CTM)

A White reporter describes how she changed careers to teach poor Black and Hispanic New York City public intermediate students, focusing on her top math class. After one difficult year, she left teaching but hopes to return some day because she felt she made a difference for a few students. (SM)

Discusses the proposed development of voluntary national tests in fourth-grade reading and eighth-grade mathematics. Explains that these tests will be based on the content and performance standards used in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). (DDR)