Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services has redesigned its teacher education program for pre-service elementary teachers. The redesigned program provides more classroom observations and onsite field experiences in the schools at earlier stages in student teachers' education and offers methods classes with integrated…

This paper begins with the following quote from Michel Foucault: "People know what they do; they frequently know why they do what they do; but what they don't know is what what they do does." The context of the paper and the policy directions considered encompass the past decade and take the National Curriculum as an intervention in…

This report is one in a series of reference documents designed especially to assist educators who are directly involved in the revision and improvement of content standards. It presumes a basic understanding of the purposes for standards and the process of standards review and evaluation. This document is intended to be a desktop reference volume…

In an interview, Willard Wirtz discusses his recent report, "Measuring the Quality of Education." Wirtz believes that the National Assessment of Educational Progress should be widely publicized and used and directed toward framing nationwide standards of educational quality. (Author/WD)

The 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress showed progress in all three grade levels compared with 1990 and 1992 studies. The national standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Research Council will continue to provide guidance for modifying math and science education. Educators must fully…

Many policymakers believe that student achievement will not increase markedly until high standards are set and quality work by all students is expected and rewarded. Performance standards are being set for the three grade levels measured by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and a national exam is winning support. Includes seven…

Education standards are left to the discretion of individual states. However, efforts to help states and local school districts define world-class standards are intensifying. The U.S. Department of Education, the National Education Goals Panel, and New Standards, a partnership of 17 states and 6 school districts, are among those involved. (MLF)

Examines the drive to develop a national set of standards for the English Language Arts curriculum. Addresses the issues of what standards are, what the current standards terrain looks like, what sort of standards could be set, and what the dangers are in the process. Offers suggestions for educators to begin the process of developing useful…

In response to the critical need for geographical knowledge, educators and concerned stakeholders have built a national consensus regarding content standards in "Geography for Life: National Geography Standards 1994." The 18 standards for grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12 specify the essential knowledge, skills, and perspectives that students…

Although one national goal proposes that all Americans will have all knowledge necessary to compete in a global economy and exercise citizenship responsibility, others fail to explain how children incarcerated in standards-driven schools will make sense of the world. The microsociety school approach radically recontextualizes in-school learning by…

Describes the use of a matrix process to establish connections between mathematics and science using national standards. The matrix can be established as a regular part of the planning process and can help guide educators to implement effective activities which embed the standards and connections within the curriculum rather than as supplemental…

Discusses questions that must be explored and answered if content standards are to improve teaching and learning, examining the need for standards, four types of standards, levels of standards, a framework for reform, and the creation of standards. Concludes with recommendations about how educators can use standards to improve teaching and…

Presents a lesson plan designed for upper-elementary and middle school students that uses whale songs to teach musical concepts. Requires students to listen analytically and to apply music terminology to identify, describe, compare, and contrast musical sounds. Notes required resource materials. (DSK)

Asks whether the National Curriculum, introduced to British primary schools in 1989, has succeeded in raising standards of attainment in mathematics. Analyzes mathematics standards of eight cohorts of year 6 students from five primary schools from 1989 to 1996. Reveals no evidence of rising standards in attainment. (DSK)

Discusses the standards described in the U.S. book "National Standards for World History." Summarizes the book's content and gives examples of specific topics for different grade levels. Believes that world history teachers in Canada should read this book even though it excludes information on the South Pacific, Australia, and Canada.…