This paper argues that instead of getting "back to basics" (correct usage, spelling, capitalization, etc.) teachers of writing should be concerned with the fundamentals of writing well. These include an attention to the composing process; experience with producing a variety of writings (spontaneous writing, the persuasive essay, the critical…

Middle school principals must continue to provide leadership for staff development programs. As the instructional leader of the middle school, the principal faces the challenge of assisting both new and experienced teachers in developing teaching strategies that are consistent with the characteristics and needs of transescent students. At the same…

This lecture addresses the exploration of algebraic fundamental competence by examining the Austrian Computer Algebraic Systems (CAS). Data are used to support answers and conclusions related to two questions that explore the role that instrumental understanding plays in supporting a high level of relational understanding and the idea that…

The perceptions of southern Nevada employers regarding the importance of the Secretary's Commission for Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) workplace basic skills were examined in a survey that was administered to a random sample of southern Nevada businesses. Of the 415 employers who completed the survey, 313 (75.4%) believed that the SCANS skills…

A review of the literature reveals that obstacles to the successful transfer of basic skills, knowledge, and thinking skills during classroom instructional time differ depending on which of three components of expertise is entailed: conceptual understanding, domain-specific basic skills, or domain-specific strategies. This paper focuses on…

To equip electrical engineering students with common and transferable work skills, a program of integrative assignments was created to develop communication and teamwork skills. Discusses assignment components; the log book, a personal account of each assignment; assessment; conversion of "common skills" to competence statements, and…

This paper examines the major influences of state minimum standards of pupil proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics; state curriculum guides; basic skills testing; and a state-funded compensatory/remedial program on public schools in Louisiana since 1980. The state testing program is described in some detail. Its influence in the home is…

In response to a deficiency in basic skills demonstrated by students admitted to Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), a Vocational Skills Assessment (VSA) program was developed to increase student awareness of personal and vocational strengths through hands-on assessment of their abilities. The VSA program has four integrated courses: (1) Skills…

Perceptions of 530 freshman students concerning their academic preparation for college was studied. Respondents indicated (1) the adequacy of their high school preparation and (2) the skills they believed needed more emphasis in high school. Two-thirds of the predominantly white sample completed a college preparatory curriculum, and 84 percent had…

Vocational education was largely established on the principle of nontransferability. However, vocational education and academic education have many similarities. Indeed, the difference between basic and academic skills has often been defined in terms of rigor. Basic skills are those concrete skills that are generally taught at the elementary…

The second round of litigation in the case of Debra P. v. Turlington has required the Federal courts to consider the question whether the Florida statute which requires public high school graduates to demonstrate the "ability to successfully apply basic skills to every day life situations" as measured by the State Student Assessment…

Geography instruction must become an integral part of the high school curriculum. A number of recent state, national, and international surveys have shown the serious results of neglect of geography education, particularly with regard to international knowledge and understanding. For example, in a recent survey of 3000 undergraduates in 185…

The relationships that exist among the skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening suggest a need for greater attention to oral communication processes in the formal instructional program. The extent of these relationships is such that four national associations drafted a joint paper stating that oral language competency is the basis for…

In a "College English" article, B. M. Kroll describes the educational and philosophical foundations of three perspectives on the teaching of writing: interventionism, maturationism, and interactionism. These three developmental perspectives offer a useful way of reviewing, evaluating, and classifying textbooks written for basic writers.…

Much progress has been made in developing and implementing new programs for pre- and early adolescents, yet there is still much to be done. Perhaps the most important guideline for developing and sustaining good middle school programs is to involve as many persons as possible in the planning process. Other guidelines include setting up objectives…