Improvement of teaching performance can be accomplished within the teacher evaluation process if the approach is positive and nonthreatening, with considerable emphasis on peer- and self-evaluation. (Author/SJL)

Many corporations and vested interest groups prepare free or inexpensive educational materials for the schools. The authors present guidelines teachers can use to screen such material for objectivity, accuracy, appropriateness, and feasibility. (SJL)

The author suggests a simple three-stage model as a guideline for systematic curriculum evaluation: evaluation of goals; collection, organization, and analysis of data; and decision making. (Author)

Offers categories, such as management of class time and use of practice and play, which can be used in observing the instructional performance of physical education teachers. A rating form is included. (SJL)

Presents a classroom activitiy in which students scored each others papers using a holistic technique. Explains the benefits of holistic scoring. (FL)

The author suggests 15 ways in which teachers may improve student attitudes toward writing and teacher attitudes toward the evaluation of student writing. (KC)

The author discusses several factors which have in the past decade made it difficult for school personnel directors to establish quality teacher selection procedures. He identifies some basic criteria and methods for the selection process, emphasizing direct observation of the candidate's teaching performance as a selection tool. (SJL)

Advocates the use of historical biography in social studies instruction but warns that each biography should first be evaluated for its reading level, realism, reliability, and intellectual respect for the reader. Lists 19 Civil War and 34 American West biographies and ranks each title by these four criteria. (SJL)

Presented are several successful techniques used by practicing teachers of English composition to minimize the pain of paper grading, composition evaluation, and revision, for both students and teachers. (KC)

Proposes a data-based method for curriculum development that clearly displays priorities, provides a sound base for making curriculum decisions, and helps in eliminating community misunderstandings regarding those decisions (FL)

Presented is an effective, nonthreatening way to provide feedback to supervising teachers. It involves an exercise called "Butterflies (ways supervising teachers helped) and Bugs (behaviors of supervising teachers which were detrimental or unprofessional)." (KC)

Discusses the components of a successful band program. Argues that such programs are organized, community- and school-oriented, and musically centered in terms of student and group accomplishments. (FL)

Contends that using writing in mathematics will not only make mathematics students better writers, but will also make them better mathematics students. Offers several writing activities for a mathematics class. (MS)

An Urban Affairs Supervisor sarcastically presented suggestions for use by administrators in developing their professional polish. (RK)