Substitutes "science attentive" for "cultural literacy" in science education, urging that students (1) have an interest in basic science, (2) know basic science, and (3) be able to deepen such interest and knowledge on their own. Outlines four cluster goals for science teaching from Project Synthesis of 1979-81. (NH)

Examines the responses of school administrators to a physical education teacher-preparation survey. Finds that administrators want a different type of physical educator, one who can design, implement, and evaluate the effects of programs to improve fitness levels of school-aged children, as well as teach fitness and healthful living concepts. (MS)

Examines why writing instruction is mired in traditional practices, textbook dependency, and teacher-centered/maintenance-oriented methodologies. Contends that influences for the status quo in language arts instruction will remain powerful, but a metamorphosis of writing instruction is essential. (MS)

Critiques tendencies toward dogmatism and essentialism in current educational theories of racial inequality. Argues that different gender, class, and ethnic interests intersect with racial coordination and affiliation, and that to reduce racial antagonism or ameliorate educational inequities educators must consider the powerful role of nuance,…

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)

Discusses the ways that videotape technology can be used to help evaluate and advise preservice teaching activities of student teachers. Describes a method by which teachers videotape their own class session for the purpose of self-evaluation. Argues for the benefits of such a method. (HB)

Finds that the lowest drop-out rates tend to occur in small rural high schools with a grade span of 7-12. Notes that such schools tend to have limited course offerings and a high percentage of their budgets devoted to extracurricular activities. Suggests that close interpersonal relationships among students and teachers may be a factor in these…

Describes the learning-cycle inquiry model and applies it to a history lesson on the problems and conflicts leading to World War I. Describes how students tackle a teacher-created problematic situation by conceptualizing questions, constructing hypotheses, and reaching consensus on solutions; debate their proposed solutions with the class; and…

Reviews research on high school dropouts and elementary school literacy needs. Looks at elements of successful early-intervention programs (including schools and parents, school structure issues, and promising practices in early reading instruction). Offers recommendations for teacher and administrator preparation and professional development.…

Uses illustrations from a graduate seminar in the teaching of writing, a high school classroom, and a seventh-grade classroom to show the value of teacher-student dialog over teacher monologue, and to show teacher responses that resist the impulse to launch into the teacher's monologue, and instead invite dialog and turn the work of meaning-making…

Reports on the impact of being in a Professional Development Schools network on seven Utah schools (four elementary, one junior, and two high schools) over five years. Identifies and analyzes the catalysts that promoted teachers' professional development and school reform, as well as the road blocks to effective reform. (SR)

Explains why high-level verbal interaction is the key to learning in collaborative groups. Discusses influences on high-level verbal interaction in collaborative groups, including prior achievement, friendships, and status and expectations. Notes ways that teachers can train students in high-level verbal interactions. (SR)

Reviews the European experience with standardized education, and discusses the cultural and democratic implications of a curriculum directed by national standards. Argues that national standards in education cannot solve economic problems or inequalities in minority access to educational opportunity. (SR)

Offers an analytical assessment of charter schools in Texas, which now serve over 17,000 students. Describes the beginning of charter schools in Texas in 1995. Discusses Texas charter schools' general characteristics, student characteristics, school attendance, school faculties, and student satisfaction. Discusses financial information (1997-98)…

Argues that traditional textbook approaches to teaching literature alienate students from literature. Describes effective alternatives in which students learn interpretive strategies as they analyze and discuss their own important values in life, and then those of characters in a story; and learn to deal with irony. Outlines writing activities…