Despite the expressed need for high-quality science education, very little research has been conducted on what middle school science learning opportunities look like in practice. This study was conducted in support of "Strengthening Science Education in California", a research, policy, and communications initiative. Partners in this…

Evaluates the accuracy and usefulness of "The World History Chart: A Chronology of World History According to R. H. Carling." Claims it presents a narrow, sacred interpretation of certain periods of world chronology representing the unorthodox view of one small religious group, the Mormons. (LS)

This review is designed for use by teachers, trainers, and administrative designers of instruction in word and data processing at the secondary, postsecondary, and adult levels. The 76 items included in the review are presented in a format designed to aid in the curriculum decision-making process. Descriptions of the curriculum products are…

This booklet is the first of four sequels to the guide "Educational Objectives" that discuss the selection and use of instructional methods. Following a brief introduction, the systems approach to course or curriculum design is reviewed, and the selection of appropriate instructional methods is described as the second key step in the course or…

This Evaluation Brief examines the BSCS approach to improving secondary science education, and illuminates some of the lessons learned from its five years of work with districts across the nation. It highlights selected findings from the full study report and discusses the broader implications for the field. Specifically, this Brief examines the…

The purpose of this project is to ensure that children enrolled in private, nonprofit schools within the geographic boundaries of the District of Columbia have equitable participation in Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) activities as compared to those enrolled in public schools. Practices have been established to fulfill the…

The article favorably reviews "PREP for Effective Family Living," a curriculum designed to help adolescents develop social skills and prepare for adult family life. Curriculum strengths include organization of objectives and format of the student materials. A weakness is lack of clear correlation between the student handbook and the…

Claims that "Choices," a teaching unit on nuclear confrontation produced by the Union of Concerned Scientists and the National Education Association, misrepresents the world nuclear situation and should not be used by teachers intent on conveying unbiased information. Suggests "The Apocalyptic Premise: Nuclear Arms Debated" as…

Evaluates "Facing Today and the Future: Choosing to Participate," a resource book about citizenship in which students are asked to think about their role in the U.S. democracy through an investigation of case studies about individuals and groups who have tried to make a difference. Recommends this volume as a valuable resource for…

This courseware evaluation rates the "Grab a Byte" program developed by tne National Dairy Council. (The program--not included in this document--is divided into three sections: Grab-a-Grape uses a quiz-show format to examine students' knowledge of food groups; Nutrition Sleuth reinforces students' nutrient knowledge; and Have-a-Byte…

This catalog lists both recommended and non-recommended bibliographies of instructional materials for California kindergarten through eighth grade English/language arts teachers and explains the choices of the Curriculum Development and Supplemental Materials Commission. The California State Board of Education adopted the commission's…

Proposes a set of 50 criteria in seven categories for evaluating educational Internet information sources. Compares these indicators against a number of acknowledged Internet evaluation sites and identifies the most used criteria. Finds that currency, graphic design, and browsability are the most highly rated aspects to consider when evaluating…

Outlines the study of a curriculum development project, analyzing the decision-making processes involved in each phase and raising questions about the general process of curriculum development. (MD)

The relationship between television and education in France is discussed, with reference to the arguments of several detractors and a recent report suggesting that there may be a number of ways in which the two "largest institutions in France" can benefit from each other. (MSE)

English for Academic Purposes (EAP) professionals know that initial efforts to produce or adapt materials generally require evaluative review and revision. A review process that solicits feedback from teacher and student users is critical because materials writers often find it difficult to envision the problems others may have with their…