A study investigated the extent to which secondary business teachers in the Southern region (n=156) are aware of and implement the National Standards for Business Education and the value they place on them. Implementation in the region was relatively low, and members of the National Business Education Association were no more likely to use them…

Would-be reformers in science education must focus on what appears to be a root cause of scientific illiteracy, namely a sort of "corporatist manifesto"--an unwritten ideology that transnational corporations use to control production and consumption to maximize profit. Suggests that this credo is manifested in take-for-granted practices such as…

This book presents 40 instructional guides for use with secondary school students, organized around the following information literacy standards from "Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning": (1) access information efficiently and effectively; (2) evaluate information critically and competently; (3) use information…

Argues that the "Standards for the English Language Arts" (SELA) gives English teachers direction. Discusses what "teaching English" means. Suggests that SELA is not a prescriptive list of measurement items nor a cookbook for skillful English teaching: SELA is a statement of principles of, for, and by professionals, and a K-12 statement of…

Traces the public furor that greeted the National Council of Teachers/International Reading Association's "Standards for the English Language Arts." Discusses responses to criticisms. Argues that the language in the "Standards" is flat; the standards are meant to be guidelines, not mandates; and the emphasis was on process. (RS)

Reports on a study of Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) inspection reports for Norfolk (England) state secondary schools. Analyzes the reports and concludes that inconsistencies in inspectors' reporting, particularly of spirituality across the broader curriculum, meant that the mechanisms for assessment and for raising standards were…

Reviews the National Science Education Standards for science classrooms and gives examples of practice in the following areas: overcrowding, class size, individual workspaces and workstations, teacher preparation, discipline, hiring practices, scheduling, safety audits, and facilities and equipment. (Contains 44 references.) (SK)

We must determine national standards, an acceptable degree of student achievement, and ways to guarantee equity while encouraging excellence. Any school can increase its graduation rate by decree through social promotion and lowered grading scales. The shift to standards means a shift to measurable outcomes, true learning, and a quality product.…

U.S. foreign language education encompasses many languages, cultures, and perspectives. The ACTFL "Proficiency Guidelines" and National Standards/Assessments provide common measures and goals that enhance students' language progress as they enter higher education. NCATE Teacher certification guidelines and organizational communication…

Questions whether a framework such as STELLA (Standards for Teachers of English Language and Literacy in Australia) can capture the essence of what teachers do in the classroom. Addresses three animating passions which have informed and energized the author's work as a teacher: intensity, empathy, and gaiety. (RS)

Explores the professional and intellectual tensions in teaching English in recent times, focusing on Victoria, Australia. Argues that in the past few years all English teachers have been obliged to resist pressures toward reductive versions of literacy. Illustrates some specific literacy practices in secondary English classrooms which seek to…

Responses from 71 parents, 147 education professionals, and 199 vocational administrators found general support for teaching the National Standards for Family and Consumer Sciences. More people thought content areas should be taught than believed they were being taught. (Includes commentary by Rosa S. Purcell.) (SK)

This document is one of a series developed by the American Federation of Teachers to help fill a chasm in knowledge regarding world wide educational goals. It is intended that this document serve as a resource to anyone involved in setting or evaluating academic standards for students, whether at the national, state, local or school level. This…

Suggests that the "Standards for the English Language Arts" (copublished by the National Council of Teachers of English and the International Reading Association) makes good sense about literature and almost none at all about literacy. Argues that for 99% of the school population, the de-emphasis of the "Standards" on formal written communication…

Valid assessment of student learning in nonperformance music classes is important and possible. Grading practices in large ensembles are often questionable, as music teachers often reward attendance and effort over absolute achievement and overemphasize affective or attitudinal goals. Teachers cannot easily rate aesthetic responses, but any…