Explores student and teacher behavior in writing instruction as the "underlife" (behaviors that undercut the roles expected of participants in a situation) of the current educational system. Suggests that the identities students develop in writing classrooms are more conducive to academic success than the traditional identity of the…

This information brief addresses how educators can align transition goals with standards-based education. The Nisonger Center at Ohio State University (OSU) has developed a standards-driven, computer-based curriculum for students with disabilities in grades 8 through 10, whose curriculum emphasizes (1) reading competencies needed to pass…

Discusses a systematic approach to six study tips recommended to introductory psychology students to improve their study skills. Presents the results of student ratings (n=114) based upon the tips for helpfulness and degree of use. Includes references. (CMK)

Discusses improving student test scores based on an interview with Bob Berkowitz, co-developer of the Big6 approach to problem solving. Highlights include experiences at Wayne Central High School (Ontario Center, NY); cooperation between library media specialists and classroom teachers; viewing instruction as a series of information problems; and…

Examines the relationship between online professional development, knowledge management, and electronic learning based on an online discussion in a graduate course in instructional technology. Discusses changing definitions of professional development and how it is now being evaluated through measures of school and student improvement. (LRW)

Focuses on how students' mode of communication during their first year in a French immersion program evolved from implicit to explicit, physical to verbal, and simple to complex. The linguistic and psychological reasons behind the program's success are discussed and benefits to the students are described. (25 references) (Author/VWL)

Describes a high school teacher's successful experiences with minority students pursuing their interests in journalism classes. Gives examples of how minority students, through the support, patience, and opportunities provided by the teacher, ultimately perform just as well as honor students and campus leaders. (KEH)

Nine primary-age children at a residential school for the deaf were read bedtime stories using a Total Communication approach. Every child subsequently demonstrated growth on each of several language assessments, including language comprehension and expressive language. (JDD)

This paper argues that a number of recent developments and initiatives within higher education offer much encouragement to the establishment of peer tutoring systems within colleges. Findings are reviewed of England's Nottingham Polytechnic's exploration of peer tutoring over the past five years, and a critique is offered. (GLR)

Suggests that watching for certain signs can help music teachers to improve students' performance in jazz solos. Recommends dealing with problems one at a time beginning with the most blatant and focusing on good communication skills as the basis of improvisation. Discusses lack of spacing, repetition, planning, form, and finality. (DK)

Budget-conscious Americans are increasingly asking that staff developers provide hard data about program effectiveness. The concept of return on investment (ROI) is useful in documenting the effectiveness of staff development programs. To calculate ROI, baseline data must be compared with results realized by the organization. (SM)

Describes The Pottstown Homework Center Partnership, which initiated homework centers and trained volunteer tutors to support middle school "at risk" students. Describes tutor recruitment and training; identifies eligibility requirements for student participants; and reports tutor-child interactions. Includes outcomes, interpretations,…

Contends that speech ensembles can be useful in the music classroom, particularly at the middle school level, to help develop students' creative thinking, powers of expression, and skills in notation and counting. Offers five steps to guide students in creating speech ensembles that address the National Standards for Music Education. (CMK)

Examines possible reasons for the disappearance of social class differences in students' academic achievement by seventh grade at the Community Preparatory School in Rhode Island serving grades 4 through 8. Possible reasons include intensifying commitment to the school, student community service, the move toward single sex math classes, a summer…

Provides an in-class activity that enables students in research methods to learn about survey design and multiple regression. Explains that the students developed questionnaires in order to generate five items, as set in a multiple regression equation, that would best predict a particular outcome. Discusses benefits and drawbacks. (CMK)