Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this study is to examine and evaluate the characteristics of the Montessori Theory of Inner Discipline through the writings of Maria Montessori, through the material written about the Montessori Method, and in the light of current disciplinary usages. It is written in an attempt to provide at least a partial answer to the present disciplinary dilemma on the current American scene.

Language: English

Published: Chicago, Illinois, 1970

Abstract/Notes: In fall 1993, administrators and faculty at the Crabappple Middle School in Roswell, Georgia, implemented the Multi-Age Team (MAT) program, creating multi-age teams of sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students. The projects' main goal was to enhance self-esteem. Additional goals included implementation of interdisciplinary, thematic instruction; flexible scheduling; and Project Adventure, a program designed to build leadership, group relationships, and self-confidence. Other goals included the development of critical thinking, cooperative learning, hands-on learning, and inclusion grouping for learning disabled and gifted students. This 1994-95 report describes the evaluation procedures used, data collected, and the interpretation of the results. The quantitative data collected for the MAT and comparison student groups included the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) results, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI) scores, and attendance and behavior referral data. The ITBS math

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: This formative evaluation report documents the progress made by the Holliday Montessori Magnet Elementary School (Kansas City, Missouri) during the first year of implementation of Montessori themes. The evaluation was based on the goals established by the Holliday Montessori Site Plan and the Long-Range Magnet School Plan. Examined were enrollment data; program implementation; parent, teacher, administrator, and student attitudes toward the program; and student achievement. Enrollment data indicated that the school's enrollment was 9% below program capacity, and that the school was close to achieving the desegregation goal of 60% minority and 40% nonminority students and had maintained court-ordered class size limits. Achievement scores for nonminority kindergarten students were above national norms in math and language subtests, but minority student achievement scores fell below the national norm. Classroom observations, site visits, questionnaires, and interviews suggest that the program is being implemented according to the site plan and long-range plan objectives. However, program participants identified problems associated with inadequate supplies and materials, student transportation, communication among colleagues, vacancies for Montessori resources staff, and training for teachers and paraprofessionals. Perceptions of parents were positive and reflected a strong degree of satisfaction in most areas of program implementation. Recommendations based on the evaluation results are provided. Appended are 4 references and related materials.

Language: English

Published: Kansas City, Missouri: Kansas City School District, Aug 1991

Abstract/Notes: Monthly testing based on a counterbalanced matrix sampling plan in one psychomotor, three affective, and five cognitive areas provides a continuous picture of the development of native American children enrolled in three distinct curricula. Of the nine scales, one showed negative, two showed insignificant, and six showed significant positive changes. When compared with national norms, the results suggest that all three curricula have strong remedial effects across a broad range of important areas of preschool learning. (Author)

Language: English

Pages: 20

Abstract/Notes: Assessment of student progress is a challenge for educators who use developmentally appropriate practices such as multiage grouping. Interest in alternative types of assessment has become widespread. These performance-based, or authentic, assessments are explored in this document, which presents assessment strategies that work effectively with multiage instructional approaches. Chapter 1 begins by examining the purposes of assessment and then compares the characteristics, strengths, and limitations of conventional and authentic assessments. Chapter 2 explores methods used to assess and document the process of learning, such as observation, anecdotal records, and developmental checklists, and presents means of assessing, evaluating, and organizing authentic products of student learning. Issues involved in reporting student progress to parents and administration are examined in the third chapter. Chapter 4 considers the implications of authentic-assessment approaches for administrators and school boards, and summarizes what administrators should know about teachers' requirements to effectively implement new assessment methods. A summary publication is included. The appendix contains an overview of authentic-assessment practices in Oregon. Data were gathered from interviews with 10 educators and assessment specialists.

Language: English

ISSN: 0095-6694

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: The Philadelphia Prekindergarten Head Start program is a child development program for three and four-year-old children from low income families which stresses an interacting and multi-disciplinary attempt to improve the child's physical and emotional health, his family relationships, and his abilities to function better as a person. The program was designed from the beginning to implement five different early childhood educational models (Bank Street, Behavior Analysis, Montessori, Open Classroom, and Responsive Learning). The 1975-1976 evaluation activities for Philadelphia's Prekindergarten Head Start program continued to focus on the major goals for children. There was found to be some range in practices among centers in terms of (1) extent of model implementation, (2) classroom differences within a model, (3) number of parent volunteers, (4) grouping practices, and (5) provisioning. Observation data yielding the above information are summarized according to model and across the total program. The Denver Developmental Screening Test (D.D.S.T.) was administered during October and April to 82% and 84% of the population respectively. In April only 1.8% of the population was identified as having a developmental delay as defined by the D.D.S.T., a decrease of about 40% from the Fall administration. While Prekindergarten Head Start children are from families of low socio-economic status, the April D.D.S.T. results confirmed, as was the case in 1974-1975, that the population screened had improved after a year of program participation so that there were far fewer children "at risk" than were found in the norming population. (Author/MV)

Language: English

Published: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jul 1976

Abstract/Notes: This report is a compilation of information on the educational, parent involvement, health services, social services, and staff development components of Prekindergarten Head Start, a School District of Philadelphia child development preschool program for children of low income families. Instructional models used in the program were Bank Street, Montessori, Behavioral Analysis, Open Classroom, and Responsive Learning. Children's development was documented by teachers using checklists in seven areas: gross motor, fine motor manipulation, writing, social, self-help, language, and cognition. Information on the program was gathered through various instruments involving direct observation, opinion surveys, and summary documents. While all groups of children were found to show increases in their developmental skills different developmental "profiles" were found for the different instructional models. The majority of the 850 children in the program were screened for a variety of health problems, and most found to be in need were treated. Ninety three percent of the 700 families with children in the program were identified as needing help of a social service nature, and nearly 75% of the families so identified received help. Parents participated in a variety of center activities. Staff workshops were reported to affect classroom practices. Appendices contain evaluation forms and observation data. (SB)

Language: English

Published: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jul 1977

Abstract/Notes: The Prekindergarten Head Start (PKHS) program employed five different instructional models: Bank Street (BS), Behavior Analysis (BA), Montessori (M), Open Classroom (OC), and Responsive Learning (RL). All program components: education, social service, health and nutrition, staff development, and parent involvement performed as expected. Data from classroom observations indicate activities involving the following developmental categories were most often addressed: social interaction/rapport, language/vocabulary, and fine motor manipulation. A comparison of the developmental status (as reported on the Developmental Behavior Checklist) of PKHS children with the total prekindergarten population showed PKHS children performed successfully on the same or a greater number of items than the total prekindergarten population. Seventy-four percent of the PKHS population received physical exams and developmental histories. Social service workers made 6,030 family contacts focusing on attendance and recruitment. Approximately 85% of the PKHS Instructional staff attended staff development workshops. Respondents indicated that the workshops had greatest impact in two areas: basic skills and suspected child abuse and neglect. Seventy-eight percent of 565 parents attended at least one meeting, activity, or workshop during the year. All data collection instruments are appended. (Author/CP)

Language: English

Published: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Oct 1978

Abstract/Notes: A comprehensive instructional system to meet the needs of students of differing achievement and grade in the same classroom, this program is characterized by an innovative management system, procedures for continuous assessment of educational needs and achievement, a curriculum based on individual needs, and an emphasis on parent and community involvement. Called Meeting Students' Needs in the Multi-age Group Environment (MSN), the project served 205 students in first, second, and third grades of the Murch Elementary School in Washington, D.C. The evaluation described here focused on implementation of the program, student academic achievement, and self-reliant behavior. Data were gathered through observation, questionnaires, and student achievement tests. Evaluators concluded that (1) the program is meeting student needs in a multiage environment; (2) it can be replicated at other grade levels; (3) parents would like the program expanded to include more children; and (4) there is

Language: English

Published: Washington, D.C., Jan 1980