Background: The use of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) and delivery of Physical Education (PE) concerning time allocation, resources and number of learners per class is crucial for optimal delivery to the intermediate-phase (IP) learner. Aim: This study aimed to determine the gap between the understanding and the interpretation…

The equipartitioning learning trajectory (Confrey, Maloney, Nguyen, Mojica & Myers, 2009) has been hypothesized and the proficiency levels have been validated through much prior work. This study solidifies understanding of the upper level of co-splitting, which has been redefined through further clinical interview work (Corley, Confrey &…

Educators have long recognized that parental and community supports are important underpinnings for children's success in school. With respect to the teaching of writing, however, little research has been conducted to provide evidence of effective practices teachers use to involve parents and communities. As part of a national Canadian study of…

It is easy for intermediate students to get the wrong ideas about the purpose of reading. Educators pay so much attention to decoding and fluency in the early years that children sometimes come to believe that flawless and rapid word recognition is the point. As texts get more demanding or unfamiliar, some of the "good readers" in classes begin to…

Describes techniques used by a sixth-grade teacher to introduce students studying Greek culture to the methods of inquiry used by social scientists. For example, playing the role of archaeologists, students gathered wastebaskets from all parts of the school. They sorted through the containers as they would historical evidence. (RM)

Questions if it is possible that any place still exists without pressure to teach to the test. Describes one school district that has been able to do so by creating a vision that allows educators to work as professionals. (SG)

Writer's work diary shows how short fiction generated creative expression and creative writing by fifth- and sixth-grade students. Samples of student writing provided. (RL)

Describes a study which compared the effects of a keyboard learning approach and a traditional general music approach on sixth-grade general music students' music achievement, attitudes toward music, and self-concept regarding music ability. (Author/RM)

Reveals how students can be encouraged to use media and new technologies flexibly to compose and communicate their ideas. Describes ways in which teachers can help students enhance their classroom reports with free or inexpensive software that can be downloaded from the Internet. Discusses reports developed by three students in a hypothetical…

This article describes how a sixth grade teacher uses contests, games, and fun to teach superior geography skills. (Author/IAH)

The effect of family involvement in mathematics homework on student achievement was studied (N=74). Different levels of prompting for family involvement were used with three sixth-grade classes of the same instructor. Involvement and achievement were measured. Findings indicate that the prompted groups were more involved; this level did not…

Examines the impact of the first two units of a sixth-grade curriculum module implemented in a public school during the 1993-94 school year. Describes the underlying rationale and content of the entire nine-unit module and focuses on units on area and volume. Concludes with a discussion of implications and suggestions for curriculum refinement.…

This guide is designed to assist fifth and sixth grade teachers who are basically following the New York State curricula. While an effort has been made to include ideas for teaching every concept found in the state's outline, additional concepts have been included for the benefit of those who might go beyond the outline, and for teachers in other…

The innovation of an instructional program utilizing "The New York Times" to teach reading skills to an ethnically and educationally diverse group of sixth graders resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response from students. The wide range of subject matter in "The Times" had something for every student, regardless of…

Sixth graders at Kamehameha Elementary School ascended a high mountain peak, successfully orienting themselves for over 5 miles using topographical maps and compasses and the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired at school. The article describes the program, noting the knowledge and tools students used to accomplish their goal. (SM)