Outlines three major approaches to writing instruction (expressive, cognitive, and social); examines areas in which faculty, employers, and higher education policymakers agree and disagree about necessary writing skills; describes institutional structures that support writing, including writing centers, course offerings,…

This study examined the use of science professors acting as mentors to enhance the science competency of early childhood educators. Findings indicate that mentor-mentee dyad interactions varied; however, mentors were able to assist with curriculum, science content, and resources. Although standards-based units were developed, there was little…

"Informed math self-placement," a program implemented at American River College in Sacramento, California, to determine students' readiness for college-level math, has been in place for three years. This case study describes the development and implementation of math self-placement at American River. Math self-placement consists of a…

This paper describes the rationale, direction, and progress of the Integrated System for Workforce Education Curricula (ISWEC), a project sponsored by a 25-state consortium that is designed to accomplish two primary objectives: (1) integration of academic and vocational education in a curriculum framework for grades 9-14 and (2) development of a…

This facilitator's guide, and the videotape it accompanies, is designed to demonstrate ways in which the new visions of science education for the 21st century might be translated into classroom practice. The National Research Council's (NRC) National Science Education Standards, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Benchmarks…

This document contains materials describing outcomes and proficiencies for grades 4, 8, and 12. The materials are to be used by Colorado school districts in developing a standards- and outcomes-based approach to curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The outcomes and proficiencies considered bridge traditional departmentalized curriculum and the…

Following a description of how the political climate in the 1960s through the 1980s influenced education, this document discusses the effects of districtwide curriculum standardization on Burr Oaks Elementary School in the midwestern village of Burr Oaks. The school's community setting, use of curriculum guides, and initial use of curriculum…

A decade ago, California's community colleges were the nation's undisputed leaders of community college education--unparalleled in access, quality, diversity, and size. Today, these institutions are deeply concerned with inadequate and unstable funding, declining enrollments, skepticism about the quality of programs, and students' lack of…

The history and philosophy of the adult learner are reviewed with regard to how far the movement to education has gone in higher education. Trends and implications of adult participation in higher education are discussed. The adult learner is compared with traditional-aged students, his learning ability is examined, and a conceptual framework for…

Written to emphasize the harmful consequences of placing the total burden of bringing up the young on the family and the school, to suggest the coordination of adult society with schooling, to renew an interest in cognitive and ethical learning, and to emphasize the need for professional competence, this book discusses the alienation of youth from…

The variety of influences on the teaching of literature at the elementary school level is illustrated by this description of current practices and review of research and development in the area. The following types of materials are reviewed to point out recommended practices: curriculum guides, objectives of library programs, textbooks for…

This report reviews existing research on the effects of high stakes tests on students, particularly students with disabilities. The review focuses on potential effects on the curriculum, student learning, attitudes and school climate, and the costs versus benefits of high stakes testing of students with disabilities. Results indicate that research…

Outlines disparities in educational access, proposing reforms for equalizing opportunities to learn and examining social and economic challenges; reducing achievement gaps; inequality and achievement; the influence of funding on achievement (particularly among African American students); what matters in teaching (e.g., access to quality teaching,…

Eastfield Community College (ECC) of Texas' Dallas Community College District obtained funding to examine the current skill standards for the job training of telecommunication manufacturing production specialists. Together with the firm Partners in Profound Knowledge (PPK), ECC documented and compared the skill standards required for…

The objectives and development of the skill standards movement were examined along with 22 pilot projects that were undertaken as part of an effort to promote the development of a national system of voluntary industry-based skill standards. First, the past and present of the skill standards movement and certification practices were analyzed along…