Describes a New York City program, the Adaptive Learning Environments Model (ALEM), that successfully provided academically at-risk students instruction in regular classroom settings. The program achieved remarkable results, but, due to state policies, it was discontinued in 1983. (MD)

A teacher training and supervision program for increasing the involvement of severely handicapped adolescents and adults in functional educational tasks was accompanied by large increases in functional tasks in three classrooms. In two subsequent experiments, surveys provided social validation for the criteria for functional versus nonfunctional…

Discusses the problem of illiteracy and offers the philosophy for children program as an antidote. This program encourages and assists children in paying attention to their own and others' ideas. It is a thinking skills program that has demonstrated its ability to improve children's basic skills. (JOW)

Describes a study that found that marketing and distributive education teachers must provide special assistance for disadvantaged students to improve their math and English skills. If tutoring is not possible, basic review should be incorporated into the daily classroom routine. (JOW)

The schools cannot assume that they can do for children what home and church and other segments of society are unwilling or unable to do. (Author/IRT)

A brief description of the educational television series called The Electric Company" which is designed to help teach basic reading skills to second-, third-, and fourth-grade youngsters." (Editor/AK)

This article discusses a pilot program in functional literacy undertaken by Danish and Norwegian students. The students raised 100,000 dollars which will send 250 instructors to Zambia to teach basic learning skills, agricultural techniques, nutrition, child care and hygiene. (RR)

Discusses the needs and problems of scientists and engineers going into management, usually with no preparation for it whatsoever. (AN)

Compares two philosophies of education: 1) behavioral psychology, represented by Clark plan for Washington, D.C., public schools, and 2) humanism, represented by British free school movement. (RT)

Provides a variety of general guidelines for developing an effective spelling program. Argues that at a minimum, teachers should ensure that spelling instruction for a particular student is comprehensive, individualized, and based on a foundation of research evidence. (RH)

Colorado now requires applicants for teaching certificates to pass a basic skills test in spelling, English language usage, and mathematics and to demonstrate acceptable speaking ability. Student teachers must also complete this screening. Applicants have four chances to complete the test. (MLF)

23 million Americans lack the reading and writing skills needed to handle the minimal demands of daily life. The widespread problem of functional illiteracy pervades every segment of society and could erode the ability of the nation to keep up with other technologically advanced countries. (SK)

A basic skills model is presented which stresses the skills of writing, reading, study, and research for elementary school pupils. The model focuses on lesson background, the purpose of the reading, independent reading, follow-up discussion, developing related skills, and extending and applying ideas. A lesson about the 1910 British expedition to…