Argues that, in all subject areas, assessment trends are moving toward teaching concepts rather than teaching facts, and toward application of information and skills. Discusses how rubrics are helpful in specifying what criteria student performance and proficiency levels should be evaluated. Offers three rubrics (problem solving, group oral…

Describes the American public's growing interest in art after World War II. Discusses the problematic history of arts in the public school curricula, in which arts programs are seen as a last priority in school reform and are the first to be eliminated in school districts facing financial retrenchment. (SR)

Describes how the special education faculty and the general education faculty at Northwestern State University of Louisiana carried out a co-planning and co-teaching effort in four classes of the undergraduate elementary education methods block. Discusses key questions they considered, presents the model they developed for this process, and notes…

Describes techniques that help students become reflective about their learning. Describes how involving students as coresearchers who examine collectively the workings of their classroom supports the goal of learning to reflect, and allows teachers and students to learn to work together. Describes how this worked in a 12th-, 5th-, and 2nd-grade…

Discusses the design and impact of Kentucky's statewide writing portfolio assessment. Describes how it was designed to influence writing instruction in Kentucky in positive ways. Evaluates its impact, noting progress toward overall goals, struggles with understanding "authentic audience," and the amazing staying power of the…

Argues that questioning used artfully can transform a classroom from a traditional lecture setting into a lively student-centered community. Outlines three different kinds of questions. Compares learning to ask good questions with learning to bat in professional baseball, and discusses several elements involved in developing excellent questioning…

Describes the educator externship program in the college of education at the University of Nevada, Reno, which provides opportunities for educators to work in a business setting in their own communities. Discusses reasons educators gave for participating, and shows how educators planned to apply in their classrooms the concepts learned through the…

Examines why, in spite of overwhelming evidence over a long period of time that students retain material learned by questioning, teachers are not more effective questioners. Describes an eight-session workshop that develops teachers' abilities to ask questions that are truly thought-provoking. (SR)

Presents a case that demonstrates why general educators must be knowledgeable about and involved in the individual education plan for a student with a disability. Describes new regulations in individual education plan processes. Concludes that the overall intent of the changes is to bring special educators and regular educators together for the…

Argues that first-year teachers can offer fresh perspectives and rejuvenate spirits, but that they need help in that crucial first year to establish themselves as viable members of the profession. Discusses administrative support, collegial support, networking, and university support for first-year teachers. (SR)

After some of the work hazards unique to teaching are noted and the identifiable characteristics of the maladjusted teacher discussed, a three-state teacher mental health plan is proposed to prevent children from being exposed to teachers who suffer from poor emotional health: prevention, assistance, dismissal. (Author/SJL)

The enjoyment of the right of attending school is conditioned necessarily on compliance by pupils with the reasonable rules, regulations and requirements of the school authorities. Discusses the legal decisions that set the foundation for developing school discipline and responsibilities of administrators, educators, as well as school districts in…

Reports on a study that examined the effect of a tuition tax credit for parents who send their children to private schools on public school enrollment. Indicates that a substantial number of students would leave the public schools with the passage of tuition tax credit legislation. (SRT)

Describes how a learning strategies approach can enable learning disabled students in secondary schools to study effectively, using as an example the acquisition of specific information from reading a chapter in a science text. (JC)

Advocates the use of multiple management styles (modeled on those of the business world) in the modern classroom. (NKA)