The most recent school reform agenda directed the development of national standards across the academic content areas to improve educational practice and pedagogy. U.S. Department of Education's (1994) Goals 2000: The Educate America Act and its subsequent nationwide implementation largely ignored the involvement of school counseling in school…

This document reports on the findings of an NSF-funded conference (STEM ACT) on the alternative certification of science teachers. The conference explored the issues that have arisen in science education as a result of the proliferation of alternative certification programs in the United States, and to identify the research that needs to be done…

Addresses the use of the Internet for telecollaboration, or communicating and working with others in different locations, in the elementary social studies classroom. Focuses on a set of activity structures to help teachers design curriculum-based, telecollaborative activities. Provides examples of telecollaborative activities. (CMK)

Presents three principles of repertoire selection: (1) select music of good quality; (2) select music that is teachable; and (3) select music that is appropriate to the context. Discusses how repertoire selection relates to the National Standards for Music Education. Lists resources for repertoire selection and choral teaching. (CMK)

Right now every college and university in Kyrgyzstan faces the urgent question of whether to join the Bologna Process. Opinions in the republic are split down the middle: (1) some rectors categorically reject joining; and (2) others would like to convert to the credit technology of instruction and have already started to take active, practical…

This report presents the results of a videotape study of science teaching in Shenzhen, China. Shenzhen is one of China's first special economic zones adjacent to Hong Kong. Developed from a small fishing village in the late 1970s, Shenzhen experienced fast economic growth in the last two decades, which has steadily increased the diversity of the…

Focuses on the importance of creative thinking in music education. Addresses three factors that support creativity in music: (1) the availability of resources for teachers, (2) the growth of information related to understanding creative thinking, and (3) the role of technology. Introduces this issue of the "Music Educators Journal." (CMK)

Argues that the dehumanization of everyone involved with educational standards is astounding. Offers stories of standardized tests and schools that sort children into winners and losers, and of lock-step, rigid "teaching." Contrasts this with success stories from three excellent classrooms where teachers' personal "standards" include deep passion…

A study was conducted to examine the attitudes of elementary, middle/junior high, and high school counselors toward the development of national standards for school counseling programs. An effort was also made to identify the components counselors thought should be included in the national standards. Input from leaders of the American School…

Describes design and the design process. Relates design to "A Nation at Risk"; "Goals 2000: Educate America Act"; the Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills; the "Voluntary National Content and Performance Standards"; and "New Performance Standards." Discusses the role of art teachers in the adoption of design-based approaches. (CMK)

Addresses the importance of repertoire selection, stating that high quality music provides students with a foundation in the music classroom. Introduces this issue's special focus on the selection of repertoire. Offers information from broad guidelines to suggestions for specific music ensembles. (CMK)

Discusses the importance of creating a large-ensemble handbook to help students, parents, administrators, and staff. Addresses the types of information a director should include in the handbook, such as a program overview, ensemble description, an event calendar, and explanations of policies and procedures. (CMK)

Addresses the ease with which teachers in subjects other than art incorporate design into their curricula. Considers the nature of design knowledge. Examines three of the visual arts standards from National Standards for Arts Education as a means for revealing the distance between art and design education. Offers four recommendations for art…

Addresses how teachers have too little time to cover all possible music instruction topics in depth. Discusses the use of assessment as a starting place in planning. Asserts that assessment criteria should consider students as accomplished learners and states that music education must focus on what students should know and do. (CMK)

This document presents the results of a project conducted by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) on the implications of national science education standards documents for the science curriculum. This book features background papers and recommendations directed towards those responsible for curriculum reform, regardless of their roles…