Much research has noted the misalignment between kindergarten through 12th grade (K-12) academic standards and curriculum materials used in classrooms. Many states and education organizations have been pushing for greater use of standards-aligned curriculum, especially during the past several years. In this report, the authors share results…

This article presents four Idea-Sparkers that were submitted by Jason McKinney, a graduate student at Southern Mississippi University and a 1st-grade teacher at Pisgah Elementary in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. First is entitled, "Raceway in the Classroom." This activity can help increase children's fluency and ability to identify numerous…

This collection of lessons involves a sequence of 10 class sessions to give above average seventh-grade students an opportunity to use verbal, research, and creative skills in discussing the energy situation as it applies to their lives. The practice of English skills is emphasized in the lessons. A list of sources of free or inexpensive materials…

Presents comparisons between the traditional curriculum and the essential learnings curriculum implemented at the Moss Point School District in Moss Point, Mississippi. Describes in detail the curriculum transformation process. Provides insight into the role of technology in the reading/language arts curriculum. (RS)

This collection of lessons is designed to be presented to sixth-grade students in a sequence of 10 class days. Using reading and language skills, the lessons are intended to help students become interested in the energy future and to develop personal values. Special attention is given to conservation and development of alternative energy sources.…

The first in a series of program documents from the Mississippi State Department of Education, this document describes, in an overview, the purpose of the reading improvement program: to provide primary grade teachers with support--assistant teachers--that strengthens instructional processes, especially in reading, on a daily basis. The document…

This Language Arts Framework provides a description of what students should know and do in English, language arts, and reading classrooms, kindergarten through twelfth grade. The framework addresses the interrelatedness of reading, writing, speaking, listening, and viewing. The intent is to raise expectations for student performance, provide…

Phase III of a five-phase project which has implications for the improvement of instructional programs in Mississippi's elementary and secondary schools is described. In phase III, specifically stated objectives or competencies in language arts, designed to accomplish the educational objectives stated in phase II, are cataloged. Fourteen sections…