Education & Pedagogy

The dominant position science education has been granted in Britain's National Curriculum is challenged. It is argued that, far from increasing the need to know science, developments in technology actually reduce the need. It is suggested that efforts to direct school science education toward broader environmental issues are doomed to failure. (KR)

School authorities need to be aware of various sources of federal law coverage on requirements for limited-English-speaking children suspected of needing special education. The overall thrusts of the law are to avoid "overinclusion," and, for those students properly identified, to provide bilingual special education. (51 references) (MLF)

Responses from 44 of 53 state supervisors and 45 of 51 teacher educators found that (1) only one-fourth of U.S. school districts offer adult agricultural education; (2) only one-fourth of those programs have full-time teachers; and (3) there is significant variability among states in level, source, and recipients of funding for adult agricultural education. (SK)

Surveys and site visits to four states (Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia, Washington) granting credit for vocational education toward high school graduation requirements identified policy issues: motivation, relationships, procedures, barriers/facilitators, and consequences. A suggestion was made that requirements be changed to a listing of learner outcomes, the attainment of which might include vocational education. (SK)

Many factors contribute to the resistance of preservice teachers to discuss topics in the foundations of education and to engage in critical questioning. The paper suggests students and teachers can experience the importance of foundational topics and disciplines by exploring the gap between rhetoric and practice in schools of education. (SM)

Explains the goals and objectives of the Library and Information Science Distance Education Consortium (LISDEC). Needs of the library profession and for library services in the community are discussed, educational opportunities for adults that are available through satellite communication are described, and use of telecommunications for continuing education is discussed. (13 references) (LRW)

Discusses the current state of distance education in the United Kingdom and Europe. Highlights include the Open University; Open Tech, for training and vocational development to aid in economic restructuring; government's role; Open College; Open Polytechnic; Open College of the Arts; Open School, for children; and the meaning of open learning. (10 references) (LRW)

A study to quantify continuing education credit hours awarded for pharmacy home study is reported. Selected home study courses were administered to volunteers under supervision. Time needed for completion and examination, learner assessment of difficulty, and word count and number of questions per lesson were used to calculate credits. (Author/MSE)

Structural and attitudinal barriers faced by mature women wishing to enter higher education are examined, and solutions that can improve their access to education are suggested. The problem for mature women is complicated by the fact that these barriers are perceived as normal elements of their lives. (SLD)

Study investigated factors influencing students' choice of teaching subjects during Nigerian preservice primary teacher education, noting an imbalance favoring liberal arts. Final year students wrote biodatas about their choices. Choices in year three were influenced by level of performance during the first two years, employment opportunities, and further educational opportunities. (SM)

Six articles examine the challenges to physical education provided by Public Law 99-457 which promotes services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their parents. The articles describe the law, critical components of the Individualized Family Service Plan, adapted physical education, and the impact on one school district. (SM)

In 1990, a U.S. study group visited primary and secondary schools in urban and disadvantaged areas throughout England, finding implications for U.S. education. England is trying to upgrade standards by implementing a national curriculum and a national assessment system. Both England and the U.S. are concerned with improving school climate and increasing educational access. (MLH)

A recent survey of educational administration department chairs at 66 colleges and universities disclosed that only 27 percent of all regular administrator endorsements offered (excluding special education) require a knowledge of special education law. Universities are apparently confused about state endorsement requirements for school administrators and are not adequately preparing administrators. (five references) (MLH)

To reduce the risks of adolescent pregnancy, comprehensive sex education programs and programs that reduce the risks indirectly by focusing on educational expectations and achievement are needed. Adolescents who do well in school and see education as a route to adult success have a reason to delay childbearing. (SLD)

Describes how a small, innovative Australian teacher education faculty introduces its students to a lifelong habit of critical reflection on professional practice. The program hopes to create students with a deeper understanding of what schools are like, constraints against change, and working within schools to facilitate change. (SM)