There has been renewed discussion of the scientific method, with many voices arguing that it presents a very limited or even wholly incorrect image of the way science is really done. At the same time, the idea of a scientific method is pervasive. This article identifies the scientific method as a simple model for the process of scientific inquiry.…

Given the rapidly changing skills needs of post-industrial economies, lifelong learning forms an integral part of government policy within the UK and abroad. However, like the UK, most economies are faced with the problem of how to reach those sections of the community that have traditionally not embraced learning and educational opportunities. In…

The computer-supported Project Work classroom learning environment discussed in this paper represents a paradigm shift from teacher-centered to student-centered teaching and learning in Singapore schools. Besides the face-to-face weekly lessons in existing Project Work classrooms, the students engaged in computer-supported online forum…

This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a distributed collaborative UML modelling environment, CoLeMo. CoLeMo is designed for students studying UML modelling. It can also be used as a platform for collaborative design of software. We conducted formative evaluations and a summative evaluation to improve the environment and…

The major component of the second year investigation was to study the relative effectiveness of an innovative individualized instructional system in physical education (I CAN) for severely retarded elementary age students. Seven students randomly selected from either an I CAN class or a control class were used for all analyses. Data were collected…

A model is outlined for providing reliable information on the effectiveness of teacher education programs for evaluation purposes. Six criteria for sound evaluation are established: (1) Evaluation should include opportunity possibilities for modification of the program; (2) Evaluation should include feedback from those active in the field of…

This catalogue provides current information on State Facilitator projects on educational programs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The one-page descriptions outline services, funds available, and activities of each project. Staff members are listed by name, title, responsibilities, and percentage of…

Describes the process and benefits of accreditation of programs for young children through validation by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs, which is sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. (NH)

This paper presents some ideas to preschool educators and policy makers about how to make validated educational models central in standards for preschool education and care programs that are available to all 3- and 4-year-olds. Defining an educational model as a coherent body of program practices, curriculum content, program and child, and teacher…

Smith describes the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education's provider approval program, a mechanism for assessing the quality of available continuing education programs. She maintains that the issue is not one of mandatory continuing education, but of ensuring the existence of programing which uses accepted principles of adult education. (SK)

The fifth in a series of articles on the NASSP Assessment Center for administrator evaluation and selection, this article describes a study being conducted to evaluate the center and presents some preliminary findings from a job analysis of the principalship, which is the first phase of the validation study. (JM)

This paper describes the process used by the Division for Early Childhood of the Council for Exceptional Children for identifying recommended practices in early intervention/early childhood special education. Work groups in 14 areas identified practices that were then validated by a national sample of professionals and family members. Use of the…

As mandated under Title 5 of the California Administrative Code, this annual report to the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges explains the current course approval process in the colleges and summarizes approval activities in the areas of credit courses and programs and non-credit courses. First, background information is…

This paper discusses how developmental programs in Georgia obtain and maintain their status as "Training Center." The establishment in Houston County, Georgia of a "Training Center," an innovative school outreach program that disseminates an early intervention program for high-risk 6-year olds, exemplifies how outreach services…

Teachers can take on the additional responsibility of inservice leadership and can be trained in the processes of curriculum development. Through implementation of those procedures, teachers can initiate an ongoing system of needs-based inservice education. Steps in initiating this process include: (1) Teachers take the major responsibility for…