Examined over 3 years high-achieving high-poverty middle schools to determine school practices and policies associated with higher student achievement. Found that high-poverty middle schools that are high performing acquire grants and manage money well, use a variety of teaming configurations, and use data-based goals to improve student…

Examines the role of the outdoors in child development. The expanse of outdoors teaches humility, yet does not judge, thereby teaching self-esteem. Nature's diversity teaches that difference is the norm, thereby teaching tolerance. Small nearby places that children favor--trees, brooks, ponds--nurture a sense of home. Early outdoor experiences are…

Faculty participation in NASSP's Mentoring and Coaching program has positively influenced student-faculty relations in the Department of Educational Leadership at Florida State University. Proteges can arrange successful mentorships if they clarify needs and expectations, are time-conscious, respect and appreciate their mentors, maintain a dialog,…

Faced with an applicant pool deficient in credentials and classroom skills, savvy administrators can spot applicants' potential, discerning those individuals likely to blossom into effective teachers. Important qualities include a strong work ethic, people and communication skills, and enthusiasm for teaching. Deciphering hidden meanings behind…

Examines what it takes to build a "learning community" designed to help all children receive a quality education on equal terms. The characteristics of communities of learners are described, and barriers to developing democratic learning communities are shown in the areas of leadership, testing and grouping, parent participation, and the…

Describes an integrative, multisystem clinical approach to the psychological and relational problems that develop around learning disabilities. The therapist uses expert knowledge to help members of the treatment system transform blaming, helpless, or hopeless interpretations of the problem into more helpful constructions, which support healthy…

Provides an overview of key research findings that confirm that changes in teacher practices and external support for teaching and learning affect student achievement. Analyzes individual research-based classroom practices that affect student achievement and support a systemic, holistic approach: clear academic focus and frequent assessments,…

The papers in this "Festschrift" are theoretical and descriptive in nature as well as practical. The first section of the book contains theoretical papers dealing with the following topics: criteria for course design, logical argumentation, a taxonomic approach to scientific vocabulary, function of a type of particle in a chemistry textbook, verb…

A study determined whether or not current forensic judges provide critiques that meet F.P. Trimble's guidelines for improving interpretation ballots. From a randomly selected sample of 150 ballots, 79 ballots were critiques of interpretation events. Each ballot was analyzed as a unit. Results indicated that (1) few forensic judges divulge their…

A study examined the effect of whole language philosophy as compared to a more traditional reading program on children's reading comprehension scores. The study included a review of current research indicating the importance of teachers stating the topic prior to reading as well as the importance of students' oral reading ability to assess reading…

This practicum project developed and implemented a program to teach young children reading readiness skills before they entered first grade. A target group of 20 students ranging in age from 4 to 6 years old in an elementary school kindergarten class was established for the program. During the 12-week implementation, the target group participated…

It is proposed that a major obstacle for intermediate-level learners of English as a Second Language is the transition from thinking in the native language to thinking in English, that this transition must be made before proceeding from the intermediate level, and that it should begin as early as possible in language training. Early in-class…

The use of video images, tempered with good judgment and some restraint, can serve a stage play as opposed to stealing its thunder. An experienced director of university theater productions decided to try to incorporate video images into his production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The production drew from the works…

This study examined the problems of using conventional and traditional forms of psychotherapeutic and counseling interventions with American Indians and Alaska natives. Cultural specific forms of psychological and behavioral intervention and prevention have existed in Indian and Native communities for centuries. Vestiges of traditional healing and…

Presents a short history relating how the chemical elements promethium (61), francium (87), and astatine (85) were formerly named illinium, virginium, and alabamine, respectively. (MLH)