Reviews literature comparing traditional manuscript alphabets to slanted manuscript alphabets and finds insufficient evidence to support requiring kindergarten, first-, and second-grade children to learn the slanted manuscript alphabet. Notes that since many children enter school knowing how to form their letters in the traditional style, learning…

Examines the trend toward outcome-based assessment that demonstrates what children have really learned by evaluating what they can do in actual or simulated applied situations. Discusses theories of performance assessment, the qualities of good authentic performance assessment, and ways of integrating authentic assessment with traditional…

Examines the broad and subtle effects of television watching on children and their families. Discusses the role of television in family life; the effects of television on children's development, behavior, attitudes, and values; children's understanding of messages conveyed by television; the relationship of television and play; and strategies for…

Reviews five books: "Garbage Pizza, Patchwork Quilts and Math Magic" (Ohanian), about elementary math instruction; "Ready for What?" (Graue), on school readiness; "The Braid of Literature: Children's Worlds of Reading" (Wolf and Heath); "The Best Years of Their Lives" (Zvirin), a book of resources for teenagers; and "Teaching and Learning in the…

Reviews three special interest publications: (1) "Learning Readiness: Promising Strategies," a directory of model programs addressing social problems that impede learning; (2) "Standards for Quality School-Age Child Care," about quality standards for before- and after-school child care programs; and (3) "Hostile Hallways: The AAUW Survey on Sexual…

Reviews three software titles: (1) "Make Test for the Macintosh," a program for teachers to develop tests of any length and variety; (2) "The Great Ocean Rescue," an interactive, multimedia program that allows students to solve hypothetical problems affecting oceans; and (3) "Research Paper Writer," a computer simulation that guides students in…

Argues that teachers' perspectives and insights are needed to make meaningful, enduring improvements in American education. Maintains that a useful teacher narrative should be genuine, invite reflection and discourse, be recursive and encourage reinterpretation, serve as an antidote to a "technological mentality," and be powerful and evocative.…

The pleasures and advantages of informal learning are highlighted in a story about childhood visits to a fabric shop. Contrasts the unhurried, flexible, self-directed nature of informal learning situations with the more structured and controlled environment of the classroom. Discusses skills and lessons learned in informal settings and suggests…

Stories about teaching practice, as used in professional teacher education, are a valuable source of information about teaching and a worthwhile reflective exercise. As experienced teachers and preservice students shared and collaborated on writing stories in courses at a university in Australia, students gained a better understanding of…

Discusses the characteristics of resilient children that allow them to persevere in the face of adversity. Relates the story of a troubled adolescent who exhibited resiliency and who, with a teacher's help, changed her life. Offers 22 suggestions for working with troubled children. (TJQ)

Examines how personal narratives contribute to professional development by giving teachers the opportunity to reflect upon teaching practice, engage in public discourse on teaching, make sense of teaching's complex nature, personalize their teaching, and connect with a professional community that values teaching. (TJQ)

This position paper addresses three related issues that concern the right of children and their families to (1) receive quality care, education, and special intervention services; (2) have these services delivered through systems designed to promote their well-being; and (3) have these services delivered by adequately trained and compensated…

Examines the use of biased language by early childhood teachers when referring to family or parents in the classroom. Discusses the effects of such biased language on children and offers three reasons why teachers may use language that fails to reflect the diverse and changing nature of today's family structure. (TJQ)

Examines evidence relating to factors that affect the quality and maturity of children's play and discusses three resources parents can readily use to enrich play: adult involvement, materials, and time. Explains parent roles of play initiator, coplayer, and play facilitator. Offers guidelines for the selection of toys and playthings and for…

Reviews research about parental perceptions of and experiences with mainstreaming and discusses implications for practice. The literature reviewed focuses on parental perceptions of the effect of mainstreaming on children, families, and communities. Suggestions for developing successful mainstream education programs are offered. (TJQ)