Arthur N. Applebee

Judith A. Langer

Ina V. S. Mullis

This summary report from The Nation's Report Card offers a synthesis of findings from recent national assessments of American education for 9-, 13-, and 17-year-old students in a variety of subject areas. Areas covered include reading, writing, mathematics, science, American history, literature, and computer competence. Trends in academic achievement, levels of learning, and factors related to achievement are discussed. Since 1969, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) has conducted regular surveys of student proficiency in a range of subjects, each involving a national sample of students; about 1.4 million students from a cross-section of grade levels have participated in the assessments to date. Findings from recent NAEP assessments provide evidence of progress in students' academic achievement. Results from the 1984 and 1986 assessments indicate that, on the average, students' proficiency in reading has improved; proficiency in writing, mathematics, and science has improved in recent assessments following earlier declines. Equity is being approached between minority students and their white peers. Student achievement gains are associated with time spent on homework, course rigor, participatory teaching, and supportive home environments. The findings also indicate a lack of significant advancement in the area of innovative and thoughtful application of knowledge. Descriptions of proficiency levels (levels 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350) for reading, mathematics, and science are appended in the form of sample test items. (TJH)

A Summary of Findings

Crossroads in American Education

Final Report, March 1983

Learning to Write in the Secondary School

David W. Foote

Contemporary Short Stories

Multicultural Perspectives/Student Edition

Charles Bazerman

Steve Graham

Sandra Murphy

Deborah Brandt

Paul Kei Matsuda

Virginia W. Berninger

Jill Jeffery

Deborah Wells Rowe

Mary Schleppegrell

Kristen Wilcox

The Lifespan Development of Writing

Backed by solid research, Writing Instruction That Works answers the following question: What is writing instruction today and what can it be tomorrow? This up-to-date, comprehensive book identifies areas of concern for the ways that writing is being taught in todays secondary schools. The authors offer far-reaching direction for improving writing instruction that assist both student literacy and subject learning. They provide many examples of successful writing practices in each of the four core academic subjects (English, mathematics, science, and social studies/history), along with guidance for meeting the Common Core standards. The text also includes sections on Technology and the Teaching of Writing and English Language Learners.

Proven Methods for Middle and High School Classrooms

Writing Instruction That Works

“Applebee's central point, the need to teach 'knowledge in context,' is absolutely crucial for the hopes of any reformed curriculum. His experience and knowledge give his voice an authority that makes many of the current proposals on both the left and right seem shallow by comparison.”—Gerald Graff, University of Chicago

Transforming Traditions of Teaching and Learning

Curriculum as Conversation

Arthur N. Applebee

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