Curriculum becomes increasingly relevant as it is based on what exists in society and what the implications are for student learning. The growing emphasis upon scripted teacher-proof programs and regimented student tasks has marginalized time for purposeful thinking and meaningful dialogue. This loss is significant because reflection supports…

This study identified the capitalization effects of public school choice programs, using data on an inter-district, open enrollment program in Minnesota. The study examined changes in property tax bases in Minnesota as a result of the shift from local monopolies of public schooling to open enrollment. It investigated the effect of transferring…

Although the theory of the market is well understood, little is known about how for-profit schools will operate in practice. This paper considers why for-profit schooling has developed during the current period and not before (e.g., entrepreneurs must compete against heavily subsidized public schools, which limits their ability to charge prices…

Language arts teachers have usually restricted themselves to showing video interpretations of novels or filmed renderings of Shakespeare's plays, for fear of being labeled as that "person who shows movies." But film can be used as a "bridge" to other works of literature, i.e., terms, devices. For example, if the teacher wants…

A hearing, held in Marietta, Georgia, on February 20, 2001, before the Committee on Education and the Workforce, House of Representatives, 107th Congress, dealt with reading and accountability and improving 21st century schools. These proceedings of the hearing contain the following: Statement of Congressman Bob Barr, 7th District of Georgia, U.S.…

In their struggle to identify successful solutions for their schools, teachers, administrators, board members, and parents must wade through reams of educational rhetoric and sales hype. This resource is designed to serve a broad audience of practicing teachers, preservice teachers, administrators, resource teachers, college professors, parents,…

This research synthesis examines key issues in the field of family and community connections with schools. These issues represent critical areas of work where clarification, agreement, and further development are needed, as well as promising new directions that are emerging. After reviewing and examining more than 160 publications, four key issues…

This paper examines the post-Communist Czech Republic in order to investigate the possible consequences were a major U.S. state to adopt universal education vouchers. Although public schools in the Czech Republic were relatively good post-communism, there was an initial surge in demand for private alternatives. Private schools appear to have…

This book reports on various studies that have increased our understanding of why females and males learn different kinds and amounts of mathematics. In particular, this book explicates the Autonomous Learning Behavior model, proposed by Fennema and Peterson, which is a possible explanation of the development of gender differences in mathematics.…

This kit was developed by the Illinois Department of Conservation's Education Program with assistance from the State Board of Education, as a teaching tool which can be used to promote conservation awareness of young people. It is designed to enable educators to help students in grades 7-10 learn about Illinois' renewable natural resources through…

This document reports on the 11th seminar of the State Education and Environment Roundtable (SEER). It consists of brief overviews of the daily discussions and presentations that were made at the seminar. Topics discussed include potential partnerships with national language arts organizations and associations, how environmental justice issues…

This document presents a training module for finding environmental education resources on the Internet. The module includes information on online searching and searching strategies. Also provided are training resources, overheads, databases, online information providers, and other valuable resources. (YDS)

This document explains the key issues related to the evaluation of the structure of Web sites. Six themes include: (1) "Purpose of Focus of the Web Site"; (2) "Audience or Target for the Web Site"; (3) "Access to Information in the Site"; (4) "Logical Design or Construction of the Site"; (5) "Visual…

This document lists and explains commonly used environmental education terms used by the ERIC Clearinghouse for Science, Mathematics, and Environmental Education (ERIC/CSMEE) and the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse (ENC) in their indexing practices. It can be used as a guideline for educators. (YDS)

This paper examines issues fundamental to educating thoughtful, competent, intelligent teachers by highlighting arguments against out-of-field teaching in physical education teacher education programs. It discusses the inaccurate notion among some people that a good teacher can teach anything, noting what actually constitutes a good teacher in…