This study compared college students at various levels of academic persistence and achievement. Previous high school achievement and preference for complex explanations of behavior are the best correlates with persistence and achievement. Other correlates include effective time management and recognition of the influence of social contexts on…

Seven articles on equity issues in leisure services focus on conservation for the future, resource allocation inequities in wildland recreation, leisure services for people of color and people with disabilities, serving all children in community recreation, women and leisure services, and equity in public sector resource allocations. (JD)

When parents are involved with their children's schools, increased learning takes place. For parent involvement programs to be successful, physical educators must play the key role in the link between home and school. Home activities should build basic physical skills without duplicating the teachers' efforts. (JD)

Five articles on dance dynamics and dance science focus on incorporating dance science into techniques class and performance training, the role of body therapies in dance training, psychological and nutritional concerns in dance, and training dancers and preventing injuries. (JD)

A slow and gradual nationwide trend by which more men than women are being hired to teach physical education full time at the high school level has been accompanied by a decrease in numbers of full-time physical education teaching positions. (JD)

Seven papers focus on the relationship between research on effective instruction and teacher evaluation (TE). The first two articles depart from previous articles by M. Scriven; the others reflect new research. Topics include using rating scales in TE, improving instruction, at-risk and expert teachers, and supervisor critiquing. (SLD)

The development of teacher evaluation systems that promote professional growth is discussed, based on studies in South Kitsap, North Haven, and Levittown of adult development and teacher evaluation and the professional experiences of D. L. Duke. "Decoupling" accountability from professional growth provides the best means of forwarding the latter.…

A support staff evaluation model is presented that incorporates existing evaluation theory into a system design, with educational specialists in mind. The six-step model includes needs assessment/identification, relationship of program expectations to job responsibilities, identification of staff behaviors, setting of performance standards,…

Issues related to the development of test items to assess pedagogical content knowledge for an elementary school licensure test are discussed. The subject test is the Connecticut Elementary Education Certification Examination. Several items useful for assessing pedagogical content knowledge are described. (TJH)

A study involving 308 secondary school principals who had served at least 1 year was conducted to reexamine the validity of subjects' ratings by professional development centers. Results indicate a modest level of validity for use of assessment center evaluations in the prediction of principals' job performance. (TJH)

Looks at the issues regarding the integration of basic skills in vocational education. Discusses the team approach and collaborative efforts made to ensure this integration. (JOW)

Research shows that vocational education programs are improved through infusion of math skills into the curriculum. Integrating math skills must be a joint effort between academic and vocational instructors. Skills must be taught and reinforced in both classrooms. (Author)

Stresses the daily use of a variety of strategies to integrate communication skills into vocational classes. Specific, practical strategies that reinforce the use of communication skills are identified and discussed. (Author)

Identifies and describes the following components in the integration of science knowledge and skills in vocational programs: curriculum, assessment, planning, support services and resources, intervention, and evaluation. (Author)

Provides a rationale for teaching problem-solving skills and explains a simple process for problem solving. Provides suggestions for selecting materials and creating positive learning environments and presents activities that encourage students to solve problems. (Author/JOW)