Education & Pedagogy

Examines the database for the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS:88) for connections between student use of computers in math and science classes and their academic success. Finds that computer use was significantly correlated with gender, socioeconomic status, parent's level of education, and Item Response Theory (IRT) scores. (Contains 40 references.) (Author/WRM)

This article provides an overview of standards that have been developed for special educators, shares the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee program standards, discusses the ways in which they are used in teacher preparation, and suggests ways in which practicing teachers could use these or similar standards for ongoing professional development. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Examined the status of health-education preparation for preservice elementary education majors in Ohio colleges, noting the types of required courses and the extent to which schools incorporated health and pedagogy-related content in their courses. Surveys of Ohio college faculty indicated that 40 of 50 institutions had a required health course. Course type and content varied significantly. (SM)

Discusses technology-related requirements for teacher licensure and certification, describing the Milken Exchange State-by-State Education Technology Policy Survey and examining the increasing power and influence of state professional standards boards, the move to performance-based program approval and licensing, the move to increased teacher testing, and the emergence of statewide accountability for teacher preparation and teacher education. (SM)

Examined general and special-education student teachers' and cooperating teachers' perceptions of the importance, and use of, various instructional strategies needed in diverse and inclusive classrooms. Surveys ranked 45 instructional strategies on actual use and from most to least important. Results indicated an overall agreement among groups about the importance and use of many strategies, though there were many disagreements. (SM)

The Migrant Education Program (MEP) is a federally funded program that pays designated local school systems and teachers to provide a six-week summer supplementary program for migrant children. Profiles of migrant students in Maryland and Virginia MEPs illustrate obstacles that migrant children face in completing their education. Discusses the impact of federal budget cuts on state MEPs. (LP)

The Learning Exchange for Teachers and Students through the Internet (LETSNet) is a World Wide Web site that informs teachers about potential classroom uses of the Internet. This article discusses the Internet's applications in K-12 classrooms, describes LETSNet's uses in teacher professional development and preservice education, and explains LETSNet's design. (SM)

The College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin is collaborating with the Austin Independent School District to improve teacher education through restructuring of the preservice curriculum, infusion of technology into teacher preparation, a research-based internship program, new teacher mentoring, and administrator development. One program result is greater mutual support and respect between faculty and teachers. (MSE)

Proposes a model of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) that includes culturally appropriate practice (DCAP). Suggests that teacher preparation must readdress cross-cultural child development and learning style; reintroduce self-awareness and ways of understanding and valuing the study of culture, ethnicity, and teaching; and restructure programs to promote inquiry-oriented, reflective student teaching experience and supervision. (KDFB)

This response of the University of Florida College of Dentistry to the Institute of Medicine's 1995 report concerning the present status and future needs of dental education stresses implications of eroding state funding for higher education. It notes use of the IOM report in the university's reorganization of the predoctoral curriculum as well as principles of Continuous Quality Improvement. (DB)

The New England Association of Schools & Colleges' Rural Partnerships for Students' Success Project is a three-year project to improve equity and access to postsecondary education at four rural high schools. The project links institutions' ability to meet accrediting standards to efforts to raise student aspirations by changing school culture and promoting student engagement. Contains 30 references. (TD)

Summarizes issues and recommendations from eight recent studies of the mission of African higher education, including those concerning demand, access, equity, quality and relevance, science and technology, governance, links between universities and the broader society (including business and government), adequate and sustainable funding, and international cooperation. Author recommendations are also made. (Author/MSE)

Studied the use of a problem-posing model in health education. The model based on the ideas of Paulo Freire is presented. Four innovative experiences of teaching-learning in environmental and occupational health and patient education are reported. Notes that the problem-posing model has the capability to transform health-education practice. (Author/EMK)

A School-to-Work conference showcased programs for American Indian students in grades K-16, out-of-school youth, parents, and communities, and partnerships that were developed with business and industry. Discusses culturally relevant curriculum, hands-on training, entrepreneurship as a viable career choice, partnerships with corporations, leadership strategies for program promotion, partnerships with tribal colleges, and service learning. (SAS)

Effects of a traditional instructional format and technology-enhanced anchored instruction on the immediate and long-term acquisition of knowledge was evaluated with 100 university students in a special-education course. The CD-ROM-based anchored-instruction group outperformed the traditional instruction group on the multiple-choice follow-up test but the traditional group performed better on the essay follow-up test. (DB)