This article offers an explanation of standardized tests so that parents may understand the significance of their children's tests scores. Definitions of terms such as "percentile ranking," "norming group" and "criterion-referenced" are given. The author also questions the validity of high-stakes tests as a true measure of student knowledge.

Much of the research literature from the past 25 years has supported the importance of teaching grammar in the context of writing instruction (Calkins, 1980; DiStefano & Killion, 1984; Weaver, 1996,1998). Unlike other content areas, practice does not make perfect when learning grammar. While isolated drill and practice of grammatical concepts may…

This article describes the author's experience when visiting her grandson's kindergarten classroom. The author is a parent, and at one time was a kindergarten teacher, program director, supervisor of student teachers, and consultant, so she's been involved for well over 40 years with a vast number of children as they have had their very special…

This article describes an exceptional Eastern European preschool where all stakeholders--children, teachers, and parents--place a high value on the unique synergy of inclusive and bilingual education. In this environment, each child is able to experience love and happiness, while developing at his or her own pace. The families feel involved in…

The arts become a form of resistance, providing educators with a tool to resist mechanical and oppressive school experiences and cultivate a personal voice among children. Two professors on opposite coasts joined forces to design a course for pre- and inservice elementary school teachers. This article describes the course and discusses it's…

Many early childhood professionals recommend the use of learning centers in classrooms for young children (Kostelnik, Soderman, & Whiren, 2004). Centers provide children with opportunities for making choices, working with others, being involved in hands-on activities, and becoming fully engaged in learning. In contrast, traditional classroom…

In this article, the author describes the four characteristics of effective middle schools: (1) Academic excellence; (2) Developmental responsiveness; (3) Social equity; and (4) Organizational Structure. An effective middle school should be a place of learning guided by people who have chosen to work with young adolescents, help them develop…

The influence of early childhood programs on the entire education community cannot be overstated. These programs have highlighted the important role that successful learning experiences at home and experiences in high-quality early childhood programs play in future academic success (Wesley & Buysse, 2003). The purpose of this article is to…

Kindness is doing things for others, motivated by a true sense of concern and not merely a sense of duty or obligation. Kindness makes life a little better for us. We are all familiar with "random acts of kindness." The question that challenges educators for peace is "How can we make acts of kindness not 'random' but universal?" In this column,…

This Classroom Idea Sparker was submitted by Pandora Zook, a 1st-grade teacher at Guilford Elementary School in Sterling, Virginia. She shares her experiences in creating self-guided literacy centers that run smoothly and encourage children to be constructively engaged in learning activities that do not require constant direct supervision.

In this article, the author uses personal experiences to illustrate the belief that, while technology is impressive, entertaining, and fun, it is merely one tool in the pedagogical toolbox. The author contends that connecting with students has very little to do with technology, but instead emanates from self-awareness and the ability to resonate…

Children growing up in today's fast-paced, disconnected world are in need of family customs and legacies. Although we tend to associate traditions with elaborate holiday celebrations, these can, and should, be an important part of our day-today lives. In its most basic form, a tradition is a regular event that helps define and distinguish your…

Learning centers are a highly regarded and widely accepted practice in early childhood classrooms. Centers offer a variety of experiences during a single time segment that encourage children to explore materials, interact with peers, and accomplish new tasks. In this article, the author presents the block center, a popular mainstay among learning…

New Orleans, fondly known in better days for its spectacular cuisine, cool jazz, and good times, was the leading story on television news broadcasts the world over when a massive hurricane came. As Katrina took its destructive path, culminating in the devastating rupture of ill-prepared levee systems, the world was riveted by stories about the…

In many classrooms, children behave in rude and hateful ways. According to the American Association of University Women (AAUW), "Sexual harassment of girls by boys--from innuendo to actual assault--in the nation's schools is increasing" (AAUW, 2001). In this article, the author features the anti-bias curriculum approach to building friendships and…