This research brief is published at the mid-way point of a five-year study that is analyzing a spectrum of programs in four states to identify outstanding English instruction in secondary schools. Outstanding schools are defined as those whose students beat the odds and outscore their peers in comparable skills on high-stakes, standardized test of…

This book for children (ages 8 to 14) and the accompanying teacher/parent guide present the story of a young girl (who happens to have a physical disability and uses a wheelchair), her friends, and their experiences at summer camp as they search for a favorite horse. Information on the disability is presented subtly and incidentally to encourage…

Discusses the origin, development, and current status of a history-geography-English integrated curriculum program for eighth-grade students. Summarizes the "pluses" and "minuses" of the approach. Describes classroom activities and student projects in the program. (CFR)

Families of Hispanic-American children of limited English proficiency are generally being denied the right to choose intensive English-language instruction rather than more typical transitional bilingual education. This article reviews the success of intensive English-language instruction and presents the case for making it available. (SLD)

Presents several lesson plans using newspapers to develop critical thinking skills that the author has used in critical thinking, English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL), and English composition classes. Examines news writing, the inverted pyramid, organization and language usage, letters to the editor, and how to critically analyze survey results. (CH)

Literacy, which has only positive connotations in most cultures, has long been associated in Native communities with colonial education, "the reculturing and reeducation of American Indians by the secular and religious institutions of colonizing nations." Early educators imposed literacy on Indian children attending government-organized boarding…

This publication is an overview and guide to the Comprehensive Teacher Training Programme (CTTP), a four-course distance education program of study for untrained Caribbean elementary and primary school teachers designed to prepare them to pass Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examinations for entry into teacher training colleges. The program…

This book serves as a response to recurring questions from preservice teachers regarding the practice of student-centered teaching within the traditional school culture. The book uses the experience of one beginning teacher, Sheila, to develop its theme. It suggests that if practicing teachers have direct continuing access to teacher educators for…

The cornerstone of Alaska's effort to bring higher standards and accountability to the public school system was the development of content standards in 10 core areas. These standards represent what Alaskans want students to know and be able to do as a result of their public schooling. This booklet presents the following content standards and their…

Presented in the belief that it is time for parents and teachers of primary school children to add a primary perspective to the national conversation about education, this booklet provides an up-to-date introduction to the work of primary schools across Australia. It also offers parents ideas they can use to support their children's learning at…

The curriculum extension program (CEP) of the Shell Science Centre provided group tutoring to small groups of secondary school pupils using qualified teachers. This evaluation report presents articles discussing various aspects of the program and its effectiveness. The first article by A. Ziervogel provides a review of the program. The following…

This guide, intended for elementary and secondary teacher, explains how to teach with the latest Internet-based technologies. The guide offers variations and tips for adapting assignments to K-12 grade levels, as well as to a variety of disciplines such as English, social studies, math, and science. Organization of the guide is based on…

A state-level summative review of the Letters Program of Florida's 28 community colleges was undertaken to examine issues that affect the program's leaders and planners, to make recommendations for policy changes and funding priorities, to identify areas of need, to observe trends, and to highlight thematic concerns among division/department…

Summaries of trends and issues in the teaching of English that have been identified by four commissions of the National Council of Teachers of English are presented in this report. The first summary in the report, by P. Bryant of the Commission on Composition, stresses the need for prospective English teachers to be well-grounded in the techniques…

The knowledge and skills needed by college entrants are described in depth. Attention is directed to six basic academic competencies that are general skills necessary for effective work in all subjects, along with six basic academic subjects on which college-level study is based. The following basic academic competencies are outlined: reading,…