Education & Pedagogy

Dramatic changes in Poland's economy since adoption of a free market and parliamentary democracy in 1989 are chronicled, and resulting changes in the occupation structure, vocational and higher education, earnings, and unemployment are examined. The experiences of other Western countries suggest that a strategy of flexibility and adaptation in education is more appropriate than sweeping planned change. (MSE)

This article proposes that in France, following recent rapid expansion in access to education, new interest has developed in the relationship between higher education and employment. The impact of this concern on the structures of higher education and the flow of graduates is examined, and the situation of graduates in the labor market, currently and in future, is discussed. (MSE)

The application of noncategorical special education in two states and categorical special education in two companion states was considered, with a focus on program practices and procedures. The effects of grade level, disability severity, and school district size on state and local implementation of the noncategorical approach were examined, and case study methodology in policy issues is analyzed. (SW)

This study examined effects of delayed school entry on later elementary school grade retention and special education service rates. Students (n=279) who delayed school entry were most often male and were placed in special education programs in significantly higher proportions than nondelayed-entry students. No significant effect of delayed entry on retention was found. (Author/DB)

This article describes the Laptop Computer Initiative (LCI), a program in a Delaware school district to enhance referral-to-placement practices and to develop individualized education programs for special education students. The six steps in the program's development are recounted and positive results of the LCI, such as increased staff efficiency and improved service quality, are reported. (DB)

Inclusion of students with learning disabilities in regular education is explored as it relates to the in-class reading specialist. Issues discussed include the necessity for preservice and inservice preparation for assuming coteaching roles, the importance of personal empowerment of reading specialists, and the need for meaningful integration of special educators and reading specialists at the professional development level. (SW)

Reviews the first year of a teacher education restructuring project at Roosevelt University in Chicago (Illinois). Major goals include developing relationships with Chicago schools to create professional development school models for field experiences and support for beginning teachers and examining and restructuring the university's education, mathematics, and science curricula. (SLD)

Discusses restructuring of in-service and preservice mathematics teacher preparation, noting recommendations of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Research Council. The paper examines three standards for professional education: assessing students' mathematics understanding, knowing mathematics, and knowing mathematical pedagogy. It presents strategies to help teachers meet professional standards. (SM)

Utilizes a case study, the Action Ecology Project, to exemplify some curriculum development issues pertinent to environmental education. Describes an action research evaluation process involving teachers that resolves conceptual evaluation and adoption problems of environmental education curriculum. (31 references) (MCO)

Proposes methods for the optimal popularization of science and technology to shape and influence public opinion about the utility of associated policies and goals. Emphasizes that such popularization should concentrate on enabling laypeople to acquire an adequate level of scientific and technological literacy, applicable to their everyday lives. (13 references) (JJK)

Describes entertainment and leisure activities with an information content that serve as informal sources of scientific knowledge available to the community. Discusses the present lack of communication and cross-referencing among the diverse groups concerned with the informal presentation of science and calls for greater sharing of ideas, data, and methodologies. (25 references) (JJK)

Describes past and present economic and social conditions of rural Victoria (Australia). Discusses disadvantage and advantage in rural areas and the need for lifelong learning. Analyzes the policy development of the Country Education Project (CEP) and obstacles to the implementation of the CEP. Outlines challenges and issues for the organization. (KS)

Physical education teachers should incorporate the concept of muscular balance into their daily curricula and select activities that work the muscles as they are used in everyday activities. The article focuses on maintaining normal strength between the anterior and posterior trunk muscles, detailing appropriate exercises. (SM)

Rural families in the 1990s have less to support their children and schools than a decade earlier: rural poverty (particularly among children), single-parent families, and maternal employment have increased whereas education and incomes of young adults have decreased. Although education has increased in importance for jobs, rural schools systems have to do more with fewer resources. (Author/SV)

Describes a project that provided training and experience in the process of professional collaboration and use of instructional support strategies for educators serving exceptional students in inclusive classrooms. Crossing the disciplines of special and regular education, the successful project addressed professional development of student teachers, practicing teachers, and university faculty. (SM)