Volume Contents

Volume Contents

Volume Contents     

Beyond decoding: Pictures of expository prose

Just as success in decoding complex spelling patterns requires strategy and structure, so does the “decoding” of complex expository writing. We discuss the specific sources of difficulty in technical writing and distinguish between content structure and text structure. Next come presentations of the basic building blocks for expository writing and techniques of text design. Patterns from American science and social studies texts are described and contrasted with Japanese materials. We finish with suggestions for promoting the comprehension of expository materials. This article is taken from an address delivered on November 5, 1987 by the first author to the 38th Annual Conference of the Orton Dyslexia Society in San Francisco. The use of first person captures certain facets of the presentation, but the paper is mostly a “we” piece. Portions of this work were supported by U.S. Department of Education, Federal program number 84.122B, Secretary’s Discretionary Program, and the Carnegie Corporation of New York.     

Status of science education in Illinois elementary schools, 1987

What is the status of science education in Illinois public elementary schools? A research survey of elementary teachers was conducted in 1987 to help answer this question. Among the areas of science teaching assessed were types of instructional programs utilized, preparation for science teaching, science in-service, obstacles to science teaching, and administrative and community support for science education. Results were compared with those gathered in a similar survey conducted ten years earlier and with other state and national surveys. Findings indicate that science instruction at the elementary level remains dependent on textbooks in spite of research that indicates the efficacy of hands-on science. Teachers are frustrated by lack of time, equipment, facilities and the low priority science has in their school districts. Many of the teachers fall short of meeting the minimum standards for science teacher preparation as suggested by the National Science Teachers Association. In spite of recent reform efforts, it is clear that science instruction has not yet become a priority. This report discusses the implications of these findings and makes suggestions for future studies.     

Use of Color in Child Care Environments: Application of Color for Wayfinding and Space Definition in Alabama Child Care Environments

Color is a useful design element for wayfinding, spatial orientation, and space definition in children's environments. The study reported here compares the use of color in physical design features associated with the exterior design and interior design of child care centers (N = 101) located in Alabama. Color was evidenced on the exterior of the centers at just over half of the sample. The interior environments of the child care facilities had warm colors and bright accents in the setting; however, the majority of centers used only white, off-white, or gray on the walls.