In April 2000, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics will release "Principles and Standards in School Mathematics," a revised document stressing conceptual understanding and reasoning. NCTM standards specify that curricula should emphasize five mathematical processes: problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication,…

In a question-and-answer session, David C. Berliner discusses wide range of topics related to current state of the teaching profession, including qualities of the expert teacher, attracting higher quality teachers, teacher career-stage programs, merit pay, and promising reforms for teacher education in last decade. (PKP)

Reviews educational research on bilingual education and describes biases present in recent evaluations of bilingual programs. Contrary to assumptions about bilingual programs, recent findings suggest that native-language programs may be very effective. They support a strong foundation in the native language and set the basis for subsequent…

Reviews results from a national survey of curriculum development practices. Most school districts prefer homegrown teacher-developed curriculums, but local control requires expensive long-term teacher participation in conflict with budget conscious school boards' need to maintain cost controls. Includes sample survey questionnaire, four tables,…

Outlines how school policies can unintentionally perpetuate gender discrimination in student computer use and access. Describes four areas of administrative policies that can cause inequities and provides ways for administrators to counteract these policies. Includes discussion of a program to balance computer use, and an abstract of an article…

Reviews recent trends in the development and implementation of performance-based incentive programs for teachers and administrators. Looks at program control, administrator and teacher involvement, time frames used, criteria for career advancement, evaluation methods employed, effects of funding on implementation, and program evaluation. Considers…

The Yale Child Study Center collaborated with the New Haven School System and initiated a school improvement plan that was successful in improving schools for low income, perdominantly minority children. It used principles from behavioral and social sciences to change the social systems under which the schools operated. (MD)

Summarizes research exploring six solutions to the "2 sigma problem" of devising teaching-learning conditions that will enable the majority of students under group instruction to achieve at levels now possible only when students are tutored. Recommendations include using mastery learning, improving the home environment, and emphasizing higher…

As a response to Joyce Killian's article in the same issue of "Educational Leadership" (EA 513 318), this article discusses the increased staff development responsibility placed on administrators as a result of the necessity for an appropriate environment and opportunities for promoting voluntary technological growth. (Author/DCS)

Research has revealed distinct differences in the problem-solving approaches of high- and low-aptitude students. As a consequence, content area teachers can focus on thinking skills by having students describe their mental processes and giving them feedback on erroneous or incomplete reasoning. (TE)

An interview with David Berliner explores his claims that research on teacher effectiveness will only be applied practically when "connoisseurs of teaching" act as teacher coaches, helping teachers to analyze the effects of their behaviors, specify new behaviors, and assess the results. (PGD)

Soviet educators are first of all "upbringers" whose prime task is the formation and maintenance of the socialist outlook. They base their teaching on dialectical materialism, assume there are law-like principles of teaching and learning, and are inexhaustibly optimistic. (Author)

Lists 45 criteria for assessing a school's multiethnic education program. (JM)

Applying the principles of affective education will help students learn anything better, including the basics. Student learning depends on four highly affective factors: self-concept, feelings of challenge or threat, values, and feelings of belonging or being cared for. (Author/JM)

Discusses how to make sure a school is teaching the things the community, staff, and students believe are important. Explains how (and how not) to conduct a survey about what the schools should be teaching. (JM)