This paper presents a snapshot of world history education to illuminate the challenges that the National Assessment Governing Board faces in creating a National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) world history framework. Using state standards documents, statutes concerning high school graduation, results from the NAEP transcript studies,…

Lessons given to a group of mathematically talented eleventh and twelfth graders enrolled in a problem-solving course that provided practice in applying the heuristic strategy of working backward are detailed. Special attention was given to the process of formulating generalizations that represent large problem classes. (MP)

Technology is evolving and now some secondary classrooms see students using computer algebra systems (CAS), however, Zbiek (2003) points out that "graphical representations seem to abound in CAS-using classrooms" and "many [research] studies of the use of CAS depend highly on the graphing component of the tool". Kissane (2001) suggests that with…

In 2000, the New South Wales Board of Studies introduced new syllabi for Junior Science (years 7-10) and Senior Science subjects (years 11 and 12), i.e. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Earth and Environmental Science (Geology). The structure of these courses is similar: it is based on a contextual perspective and is underpinned by a number of…

Describes the production of a local history magazine by two advanced twelfth-grade English classes. Discusses difficulties encountered during the project, and offers practical suggestions for teachers considering such a project. (SV)

Describes a teacher's efforts to introduce her students to modern poetry and to teach them that the value of poetry is not merely aesthetic but can actually be a voice of rare clarity. Asserts that what rubs off on students is a sense of richness of language--an ear and an eye for a rooted expression. (PRA)

Discusses possible reasons for U.S. gifted students' underachievement on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. Homework, class time, and television viewing are similar elsewhere. Previous learning, negative reform effects, middle-school practices, nonrigorous coursework, curriculum deficiencies, and stress on potential over…

Sketches the institutionalization of the school subject pedagogics, the situation of the didactics of pedagogical instruction, a short survey on the recent differentiation of the field of discourse. Reports on studies that are characteristic of recent discussion on pedagogical didactics. (CMK)

From more rigorous courses during the twelfth grade to individual projects and internships, school districts across the country are taking a variety of steps for the purpose of keeping seniors engaged in learning during their senior year of high school. At the same time, they are also warning students about the possibility that students who have…

Inquiry can be implemented in various ways, ranging from simple classroom discussions to longterm research projects. In this article, the authors developed a project in which high school students were introduced to the nature and process of scientific discovery through a two-week guided inquiry unit on "limnology"--the study of fresh water, which…

In this paper we present findings from two studies focusing on computer algebra system (CAS) calculators. In Victoria, Australia, it is currently mandatory for students to use graphics calculators in some grade 12 mathematics examinations. Since 2001, a pilot study has been conducted involving Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) students…

This article reports on the third year of a three-year longitudinal investigation into six secondary students' understanding of optics at a secondary school level. In the third year of this investigation the students, who by now were in Year 12, underwent a teaching sequence that centred on the teaching and learning of physical optics and quantum…

The National Alliance of State Science and Mathematics Coalitions reports that American 12th graders ranked near the bottom of 21 nations that participated in the Third International Mathematics and Science Survey. This article describes several free Web resources designed to supplement rigorous classroom instruction, support NCLB initiatives, and…

The vocational accounting laboratory is a viable, meaningful educational experience for high school seniors, due to the uniqueness of its educational approach and the direct involvement of the professional and business community. A balance of experiences is provided to match individual needs and goals of students. (CT)

Describes one high school English teacher's experiment with assigning stories instead of analytical essays. Argues for retelling and storytelling as a valuable resource in the high school curriculum. (RAE)