The first step in teaching-to-understand economics is not teaching "the rules," but working with fundamental economic models from the outset. Many of the concepts in economics are illustrated through models. Students must: (1) be able to draw these models; (2) understand the assumptions of the models; and (3) use the models for analysis.…

This article provides recommendations for teachers to better prepare 3rd through 12th grade students with learning disabilities for large-scale writing assessments. The variation across large-scale writing assessments and the multiple needs of struggling writers indicate the need for test preparation to be embedded within a comprehensive,…

Tests require a special kind of savvy, a kind of critical thinking and knowledge application that is not always a part of classroom reading experiences. Who better to teach you how to prepare your students for reading tests than someone who has written them? Charles Fuhrken has spent years working with several major testing companies and…

Recent legislation such as No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 has made significant changes in how all students are assessed. Because scores on state and district tests have important implications for students, parents, and school personnel, teachers and students should approach testing with…

US high schools appear to measure success according to the number of students admitted into four-year institutions each year. Although this is one measure, there are some schools that focus on developing important life skills needed to become productive members of society. Online surveys were sent out to alumni, students, teachers, and parents to…

Implementing the action steps from ASCD's best-seller "The Art and Science of Teaching" is much easier when you use this in-depth resource for workshops, professional learning communities, teacher training, and self-help. Hundreds of samples, guidelines, checklists, and activities help teachers in all grades and subjects become instant experts on…

Recent special education legislation such as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) emphasizes the placement of students with mild disabilities in the general education classroom. Therefore, students with learning, behavior, and communicating disorders will typically be learning science from classroom teachers rather than in separate special…

The FORCE strategy was designed as a simple, step-by-step procedure to assist learning-disabled adolescents in preparing for tests. The steps are find out, organize, review, concentrate, and examine early (pretest). The article discusses application of the strategy and issues relating to generalization of the strategy to other subject areas. (JDD)

This study used a seven-stage instructional methodology to successfully teach a comprehensive test-taking strategy to six secondary learning-disabled students. Evidence of maintenance and generalization is reported. In the second article, answers are presented to questions about strategy training in general and this study in particular. (Author/DB)

Describes a test-taking course designed to prepare seventh-grade students for the SAT.

The article provides an overview of the study skill proficiency (or lack of it) of students with learning disabilities followed by the presentation of 15 study skill strategies. It concludes with a discussion on the implementation of a study skills program including guidelines. (Author/DB)

Offers a method for teachers in the content areas to teach study skills, specifically, strategies for allocating study time, reading, note taking, and learning for tests. (SRT)

This guidebook attempts to move theory into application by sharing ways that teachers fuse the teaching of learning processes with the teaching of course content. Chapters focus on: (1) motivating students to learn; (2) concentration and learning to focus; (3) time management; (4) remembering; (5) technical vocabulary; (6) streamlining study; (7)…

This document is intended to help teachers prepare students for the "exit exam of essential skills" required by the Student Accountability Standards enacted by the North Carolina State Board of Education. The strategies in this guide are based on two essential premises: following the North Carolina "Standard Course of Study"…

Explains the effects of examination fear and anxiety on student performance. Cites ways instructors can intervene to help alleviate the problem and better promote learning. (RT)