Describes 10 methods of assessment that teachers can use alone or in combination: (1) multiple marking, (2) peer evaluation, (3) mastery learning, (4) contracted learning, (5) credit/no credit grading, (6) self-evaluation, (7) anecdotal records, (8) pupil profiles, (9) checklists, and (10) dossiers. (FL)

Results of a study show that increasing the amount of time teachers allow for students to answer questions produces a number of positive results, including (1) increases in the length of student response, (2) increases in the number of unsolicited responses, and (3) improvement in student-to-student interaction. (FL)

Outlines the benefits associated with true-false and multiple-choice tests and sets forth rules for writing effective items for such tests. (FL)

Argues that regular class placement is inappropriate for the special student because (l) regular classes are too competitive; (2) rejection by other students may occur; and (3) the regular class teacher lacks the necessary special training and support. Suggests upgrading special classes and seeking other methods of integrating students. (SJL)

The author relates his successful experiment with using old time radio programs to enhance listening and writing skills in his classroom. A list of companies that sell Old Time Radio (OTR) programs, and a list of projects which can be used with OTR, conclude the article. (KC)

The author describes the challenges of society and schooling in Canada, and concludes that the autonomous community school, though not Utopia, has the potential to restore public confidence in schooling and to provide a bridgehead to the decentralization of political authority. (KC)

Two years after the implementation of Florida's Educational Accountability Act, which mandates statewide competency testing in reading, writing, and arithmetic, the author cites the advantages of the program, refutes criticisms of it and reviews the challenge to it in Federal District court, the Debra P. V. Turlington case. (SJL)

The authors define "cloning" as an integral feature of all educational systems, citing teaching practices which reward students for closely reproducing the teacher's thoughts and/or behaviors and administrative systems which tend to promote like-minded subordinates. They insist, however, that "academic cloning" is not a totally…

Alarmed by growing criticism, the author presents a defense of American public education, citing evidence that today we educate more students, that students are achieving more, and that the schools are the least expensive and most effective of our social institutions. He urges other educators to join his defense. (SJL)

All teachers, including school librarians, have the responsibility of helping people utilize (not only discover) information to help themselves. They must promote questioning and the active life of the imagination. (Author)

Argues that the secret behind truly powerful learning lies in developing students' metacognitive abilities. Presents an overview of the role of formative assessment in learning to read and in reading to learn. Discusses some research-based instructional techniques useful in helping students take executive control of the reading act. (SR)

Reports on a study investigating whether there is a relationship between the expressed concerns of teachers and principals and the supervisory actions that both recommend. Finds fundamental differences between what new teachers need and what administrators who supervise them actually do. (SR)

Describes how teachers in a professional development course used several means to strengthen their efforts to better respond to the needs of homeless students. Discusses strategies developed, projects, and teachers' new perspectives. Outlines recommendations for teacher strategies, plans for change, and collaborative efforts. (SR)

Addresses the problem that teachers are still hesitant to use technology for teaching and learning. Proposes that action research can be an effective professional development strategy to show teachers how to use computer technology in their classrooms. Suggests that since action research provides a structure for reflective practice, it can…