It is important to discuss sexuality with elementary students. Elementary teachers can help children learn to share public space with people who are similar and different from themselves. This should include discussions of homosexual people. One reason to discuss sexuality in elementary schools is that it is already present in students' lives (via…

Surveys completed by beginning elementary teachers revealed that one of their greatest concerns was perceived inability to deal with parents. Attempted to apply to real world of parent-teacher conferencing that which is learned by beginning teachers in role-play situation. Suggests counselors use such inservice education with new teachers. (NB)

Explains the relevance of reading-comprehension research for classroom teachers, discussing how knowledge of the world and active engagement with ideas in the text influence comprehension and looking at how to develop both these capabilities. Four sections discuss the power of background knowledge, reading aloud and discussing literature with…

The article reviews demographic trends in the growth of the African American teaching force in the South from 1890 to 1940, highlighting its feminization during that time, investigating the discriminatory salaries for African American teachers, and illuminating the black perspective on the interrelated issues involved. (Author/SM)

Reports unique solutions given to five problems from individual students in mathematics courses for prospective elementary school teachers oriented toward problem solving. Concludes that such courses are feasible, promote problem-solving abilities and strategies, and develop appreciation and confidence in preservice teachers. (MDH)

Consistent with education reform efforts, the Jamaican Government invited The Commonwealth of Learning to participate in an on-site needs assessment survey. Previous examination results revealed a need to strengthen teaching and learning in English, mathematics, and science, as most primary school teachers required enhancement in both the content…

Discusses interviews with black teachers who witnessed many reform initiatives to improve black students' academic achievement. The teachers challenged white, middle class perspectives on black community norms, cultural values, political realities, and community aspirations. Successful school reform must acknowledge and incorporate black community…

Defines stress, explains a dynamic model of stress, and provides strategies for reducing stress in teachers. Describes a two-prong inservice program to be led by counselors. The first prong is a series of inservice workshops. The second prong is a professional support group led by the school counselor. (Author)

Due to rapid social changes, the government of the Republic of China instituted in 1979 the "Teacher Education Statute," which incorporated the training of both elementary and secondary school teachers. This was followed by legislation in the form of bylaws that prescribed the ways and means of the program's implementation. Revision of…

The evaluation of the content validity of the Functional Academic Skills Tests (FAST) are described. The FAST was designed to assess the competency of inservice teachers in the Houston, Texas Independent School District in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Validation standards were based on the Equal Employment Opportunity…

Data on Texas teachers underscore the need for teacher education programs to prepare increasing numbers of teachers, and for those teachers to be better prepared with strong subject content knowledge and skills to address the diverse student needs they will encounter in the classroom. This paper presents a data profile of the Texas teacher,…

This book highlights several individuals and programs that have been responsible for improving the academic achievement of African-American students. The author reports on the positive results of culturally conscious education and highlights eight teachers who, though they differ in personal style and methods, share an approach to teaching that…

The opinions and experiences reflected in this report are those of exceptional teachers chosen in a national competition, "Thanks to Teachers," sponsored by Apple Computer, Inc., the National Foundation for the Improvement of Education, the National Alliance of Business, and Group W Television. The report is divided into four sections: (1) the…

Explores issues related to defining teacher leadership and discusses the implications for teacher education and schools through a synthesis of the literature. Also presents a university-school collaborative framework for the development of leadership in preservice and inservice teachers. (Author/SM)

An historical and descriptive account of the Islamic school system is presented. Traditional Islamic schools began with the founding of Islam in the seventh century A.D.; the madrasas or Islamic universities were considered to be among the world's finest higher education institutes. Although Islamic scholarship began to wane in the 14th century,…