Today's students live in a world that has been transformed by technology, and they are often referred to as "digital natives" because their exposure to digital resources begins at birth. The increased exposure to technology has changed the way students respond to instruction and has led to a new need for teachers to integrate…

This study examines the effects of block scheduling on secondary school library media centers across the state of Arkansas. Specifically, this study addresses the impact that block scheduling has on the school library media center in the areas of time, resources, and productivity for both students and library media staff. This study is needed…

Provides a review of current literature with emphasis on the issues of student empowerment, early intervention strategies, and cultural issues in education which may stimulate solutions for restructuring literacy education in response to the No Child Left Behind legislation of 2001. Notes that reading failure for speakers of nonstandard English…

Lists advantages and disadvantages of statewide testing. Presents examples of highly specific objectives, as emphasized by realism as a philosophy of education. Considers the advantages idealism/perennialism, as a philosophy of instruction, has in a quality reading curriculum. (SG)

Examines how advances in technology allow teachers to reconsider how students should and could be taught to become literate citizens. Believes that Language Arts educators play an important role in educating students in today's literacies. Addresses telecollaborative projects, interpersonal exchange, information collection and analysis, problem…

Discusses the Gullah language, an English-based Creole language that contains words from approximately 21 African languages. Discusses historical background and educational implications. Concludes that in communicating with Gullah speaking children, a teacher has to be flexible, understanding, and willing to learn the student's native language.…

Investigates the overall effect of Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) on attitude toward reading and identifies the moderator variables of SSR on it. Suggests that providing a fixed period of time for students to read materials of their own choosing either for pleasure or for information facilitates their attitude toward reading. Supports the…

Notes that communication between teachers and culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students need serious consideration especially in recognizing potential sources of miscommunication and misinterpretation. Considers sources of miscommunication within verbal and nonverbal communication. Discusses each element and offers examples in CLD…

Describes a course that was designed to provide instruction in the methods and procedures that can be utilized to enhance student comprehension of textbooks and other printed materials that are encountered in a content area. Discusses instructor concerns, the support system, planning, course assignments, students, instructor workload, and course…

Discusses debates in society on needs in education, particularly reading achievement of students and the needs of teachers. Considers the issues of whole language versus phonics instruction and sequencing student learning in reading instruction. Concludes that these and other issues, such as technology use in reading instruction, need to be…

Presents a self-study of the effects of one reading methods course on the quality of lessons that teachers deliver to their ethnically diverse "at risk" students. Shows that robust teacher preparation can have positive effects in terms of both content and pedagogy. Identifies some of the general principles about student learning that teachers…

Broadens some of the techniques that assist teachers in the direct instruction of vocabulary development. Presents strategies that experienced teachers have used but may have forgotten. Encourages teachers to take a new refreshing look at vocabulary skills that can assist teachers in developing a balanced reading program as they foster vocabulary…

Considers how the principal has a leading responsibility in improving the school curriculum. Discusses how the principal has a vital role in assisting teachers to help each pupil become the best reader possible. Presents several ways that principals can help teachers improve reading instruction. (SC)

Describes the steps involved in adapting the language experience approach for teaching second language learners in the regular classroom as: involving the discussion of student experiences and knowledge related to the text reading selection; recording student experiences and knowledge into written language; and considering student review or…

Considers how the topic of accountability and high-stakes testing has become more critical given the heightened visibility and importance of tests and test results. Notes that trends indicate that scrutiny of public schools and assessment will increase and that students need and deserve to have the best information available regarding effective…