A review of preschool standards promulgated by states, education agencies, and other countries reveals problems similar to those that appeared during the early stages of K-12 standards development. Those who write ineffective standards mix content with performance standards, combine expectations for students with general curriculum guidelines…

Informal individual assessment gives teachers a broader and more robust means of determining whether a primary grade student has a firm grasp on fundamental concepts. Factors, such as students' experience, personality, interests, and learning styles shape their insights and development. Offers suggestions for teachers. (MLF)

Making students' responses to the news a legitimate part of the early childhood curriculum contributes to their overall sense of safety and well-being, a necessary condition for effective learning to occur. Examples illustrate how children bring news violence into their play, effective responses, and how to talk about disturbing news. (MLF)

To better prepare students for kindergarten, the Lafayette County School District in Oxford, Mississippi, provided cost-effective professional development seminars to local day-care workers. Three-day seminars several times a summer for 3 years were offered to all day-care workers and preschool teachers in the county including Head Start staff,…

Class-size reduction is the subject of much debate in the education community. Findings from research studies on three top class-size reduction programs can help states and schools decide whether reducing class size will work for them. Provided are background information, research findings, and a prognosis for the future for Indiana's Project…

Research suggests that delayed entry into kindergarten has a better chance than kindergarten retention of helping at-risk children avoid school failure. Educators are cautioned to take into account the interactions among race and ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and age. Some researchers view full-day kindergarten as one way of providing…

Doctors increasingly use psychiatric medications to treat children and adolescents who have psychosocial difficulties. Briefly describes the most commonly prescribed medications for the following categories: (1) inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; (2) depression, obsessions, and anxiety; and (3) severe aggression and out-of-control…

Discusses research related to the cost, causes, and consequences of teacher attrition especially in high-poverty schools. Includes four major factors influencing teacher attrition: Salaries, working conditions, teacher preparation, and mentor support. Draws implications for educational policy and practice. (Contains 28 references.) (PKP)

Case study explores why a group of seven excellent urban high school teachers in Boston Public Schools have stayed in teaching. Finds teachers shared several common characteristics, such as love of teaching, hope and faith in their students, anger at student injustices including racism and poverty. (PKP)

Four-year study of the career paths of 50 beginning teachers in Massachusetts focuses on why 8 of these teachers ("Voluntary Movers") transferred from original schools to other public schools. Reasons given for transferring include reasonable assignments, stable working environments, opportunities to learn and grow, and accessible, supportive…

Examines the on-the-job learning needs of beginning teachers. Discusses research on teacher learning curve and enculturation process. Describes elements of a quality beginning-teacher induction program that involves mentoring and the use of standards. Views induction as an enculturation process. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Proposes alternative explanation for teacher shortage. Data suggest that attrition among beginning teachers, largely due to poor working conditions, is the root cause of the teacher shortage. Discusses what schools can do to reduce new-teacher attrition. (Contains 14 references.) (PKP)

Reviews research comparing teaching performance of certified and uncertified teachers. Concludes that certified teachers perform better in the classroom than do uncertified teachers. Furthermore, teachers completing many alternative-teacher-certification programs may not perform any better than uncertified teachers. Empirical study finds that…

Describes components of successful teacher-evaluation and compensation program at the Ladue School District in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. Reports that salary increases based on performance evaluations improve teacher satisfaction and retention. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

Describes efforts of Montgomery Township (New Jersey) school district to attract and retain good teachers. District actively seeks high-quality candidates, provides support for beginning teachers' emotional and professional needs, establishes positive mentor relationships, and offers sustained professional development opportunities. (PKP)