Interaction with animals has important implications for child development in the areas of social growth and communication. Although pets are common in classrooms, research on educational benefits is scarce. A survey shows that classroom animals are often studied directly and used as prompts for creative activities. (Contains 13 references.) (MLH)

In recent case studies, teachers' strong endorsement of National Board standards highlights the importance of encouraging policies that will increase participation and success rates and contribute to their equitable distribution. However, teachers face significant problems due to inadequate information and wide variations in available support…

Reports results of a Phi Delta Kappa survey on moral education, showing that educators have concern for rising crime and declining family life and expect family and church to conduct moral education. (DW)

Reports on an Iowa survey of school compliance with state-legislated activities (in this case, a needs assessment) and of administrator attitudes toward the worth of the mandated program. (IRT)

Reports on a survey of educational researchers' attitudes toward government and private foundation support and examines the cooperation between the foundations and the government. (IRT)

To the extent to which Connecticut is representative of other states, it can be concluded that the discrepancy between legislative enactment of Public Law 94-142 and organizational implementation may not be of extended duration. (Author/IRT)

Responses of 352 principals surveyed on topics including courses taken by graduates by class ranking and anticipated outcomes of increased graduation requirements revealed a general concern that recommendations similar to those of "A Nation at Risk" might serve college-bound students at the expense of the less able. (MJL)

Risk arises from foreign competitors and our educational mediocrity. Nevertheless, causes for optimism exist in the commission's recommendations on curriculum content, standards and expectations, school time, teaching, leadership, and fiscal support. Neglected themes of the commission's report include lifelong learning and compatibility of…

Discusses education's long-term role in preventing nuclear war and reports on a three-state survey of 118 high school seniors on their knowledge of nuclear war issues. Describes educational groups' activities around the issues and recounts the author's personal experiences at Hiroshima (Japan) and growing awareness of nuclear problems. (RW)

Discusses the results of research using data from three national surveys of vocational education students. The findings reveal several variables affecting the long- and short-term benefits of various types of vocational education and postsecondary vocational training for men and women. (PGD)

A 38-item questionnaire measured the effect of student teaching on students' attitudes toward professional practice, self-appraised levels of anxiety and competence, and imagined feelings as teachers. Responses suggested that field experience instills confidence but also encourages student teachers to value more restrictive and custodial teaching…

The Echo method, the Rokeach Value Survey, and the Survey on Teaching of Morals, Values, and Ethics were utilized in a recent study to identify community values. The process of values assessment serves to restore a sense of shared values to the school community. (Author/WD)

Three former secretaries of education--William Bennett, Lauro Cavazos, and Terrel Bell--have touted state-level SAT scores as proof that educational financing does not matter. Recently, Brian Powell and Lala Carr Steelman adjusted scores for participation rate and detected a very strong relationship between expenditures and SAT scores. Bigger…

Reform advocates have often recommended using interdisciplinary teams, advisory groups, and transition activities to comprise appropriate educational programs for young adolescents. Using 1988 Johns Hopkins University middle grades survey data, researchers explored "real world" use of these components and gauged their effectiveness.…

Discusses certain educational, demographic, and economic trends challenging rural education and summarizes Rural Attitude Survey results. Despite consolidation efforts, rural schools are poorer and smaller than nonrural schools. Despite their marginalization by the dominant culture, rural communities have precisely the qualities valued by critics…