This article reviews the development of, and controversy behind, minimum competency testing at the state and national levels. (WI)

In this interview, Peter Newsam, the education officer for the Inner London Education Authority, which operates government-financed schools in London, describes some of the problems facing the London schools, such as declining student achievement, increasing student violence, incoming immigrant populations, and rising parent aspirations. (WI)

Examines educational practice implications of the current prevailing theory that self esteem is the critical variable for intellectual development. Contrasts this with the earlier assumption that standards--and criticism of performance that does not meet them--are essential to the learning process, and that a child's self esteem can withstand…

A recent survey found that the practice of assigning teachers to teach subjects for which they hold neither endorsements nor certificates is widespread in many States. This practice hurts both students and teachers and ultimately damages the image of education. (GC)

Presents excerpts from "Becoming a Nation of Readers," a recent publication that synthesizes current knowledge regarding the process of learning to read. (GC)

Holds that schools and textbooks utilized in communist block countries serve to indoctrinate students as to the virtues of the system under which they live and bias them against other systems. Cites several examples of anti-United States propaganda in Soviet texts. (GC)

Describes the use of popular science fiction films in high school and college science courses. Holds that young persons' fascination with science fiction can serve as a takeoff point for serious discussion of principles of physics and biology, in particular. (GC)

Argues that professionalization is needed to help teachers improve their status and attain better compensation and a greater voice in decision making. Calls for a national teacher examination; expanding choice for parents, students, and teachers; a professional teacher board; a different kind of career ladder; and restructuring the delivery of…

A multimedia approach to education can be more effective than using a single, isolated medium. It encourages students to develop skills that print alone doesn't and enables educators to boost the value of media children are being exposed to anyway. Furthermore, the electronic media have strong motivational qualities for children. (KH)

Videodiscs offer a variety of new learning possibilities. To realize their potential, several steps must be taken: (1) new design and development programs must be experimented with; (2) teachers must be given time and training to master their use; and (3) their effectiveness in various levels of education must be evaluated carefully. (KH)

Describes the experiences to two junior high school teachers who set out to learn how to apply videodisc technology in a remedial reading course. Reports that the videodiscs are easy to use and highly adaptable to particular purposes. (KH)

Argues that writing instruction should begin as early as kindergarten. Suggests that learning how to write occurs best not in traditional classrooms but when the classroom is turned into a workshop, where the process of planning, writing, and revising is honored. (KH)

Reviews Barbara Miller Solomon's "In the Company of Educated Women," a comprehensive survey of the history of collegiate women. Asserts that this history successfully describes the subtle interplay between women's possibilities within higher education and their shifting roles in the larger society. (KH)

Describes the advantages of having students work actively together in small groups. Discusses the new roles that both students and teachers must assume in order to successfully implement the strategy in the classroom. (FMW)

Eight-page sample issue intended to acquaint American Federation of Teachers (AFT) members with a source of well-written reports, summaries, and reviews of developments in the field of education; and to solicit subscription to the periodical. (FMW)