Accreditation is a process by which programs demonstrate their academic quality; that is, they demonstrate that they are making decisions for programmatic changes based on: (1) a sound theoretical foundation; (2) clearly stated mission, goals, and objectives; (3) a comprehensive self-study and thoughtful use of best practices; and (4) consistent,…

Describes and assesses six high school reform projects that concern the values underlying secondary schooling; changes in curriculum, instruction, and teacher preparation; preparation of students for college; communication among schools undergoing reform; the condition of secondary education today and proposed solutions to problems; and the…

Describes several outstanding high school physics programs and analyzes the reasons for their success. This analysis suggests a set of conditions for creating successful programs at other schools. A list of goals for successful physics programs is included. (JN)

Twenty secondary physics teachers from southeast Michigan participated in a National Science Foundation Honors workshop on excellence in physics teaching. Presented are the classroom practices, important resources, and roles for good programs they identified and their recommendations for improving student/counselor/administrator perceptions of…

Outlining procedures involved in arriving at a newly adopted curriculum for the Oak Park, Illinois, high school of which he is the associate principal in charge of instruction, the author argues the importance of developing a comprehensive vision of educational priorities before considering specific curricular components. (JBM)

In attempting to answer the question posed in the title, this author offers an overview of the goals of arts programs and some general guidelines for administrators to follow in evaluating those programs. (Author/JM)

Discusses the need for schools of library and information science to ensure that graduates understand and can use computer technologies, and describes a model program in which this goal can be met through cooperative degree programs involving schools of library and information science and other academic departments. (CLB)

This article proposes a funded school-based allowance and savings program targeted at economically disadvantaged students with poor educational outcomes to help poor children develop less present-biased time preference patterns so as to increase student effort and skills acquisition, avoid the pitfalls that pave the path of adolescence and move…

Acknowledged experts described what they believed the content and educational outcomes of sex education programs in the schools should be. Exemplary programs, selected on the basis of their views, are identified and discussed. In addition, student and teacher response to one program is analyzed. (PP)

Lists objectives for excellence/exemplary programs in middle/junior high school science as perceived by a group of middle/junior high school science teachers. These objectives focus on: (1) goals; (2) curricula; (3) instruction; (4) teachers; and (5) evaluation. (JN)

Dissemination approaches of the U.S. Department of Education are explored in the context of federal efforts to recognize the best, considering relatively systematic approaches to recognition and the five vulnerable evaluation areas of (1) undefined universes; (2) noncomparable goals; (3) identifying reproducible conditions; (4) saturation; and (5)…

Educational computing projects profiled focus on computer programing, computer literacy, an electronic bulletin board for math/science research, computer managed instruction for reading, word processing throughout the curriculum, parental participation in computer literacy, and an electronic interstate school newspaper. A list of sources for…

This article summarizes efforts to improve educational outcomes of students with hearing impairments through the government-funded Deaf Education Initiatives Project. It discusses the project's origins, cooperative efforts of diverse interest groups, the role of the National Association of State Directors of Special Education as subcontractor, the…

Alberta's model junior high school environmental and outdoor education curriculum, a component in Canadian government's Active Living Environment Program, aims to help young adolescents appreciate the personal, interpersonal, and environmental consequences of their actions. Course elements include outdoor experiences and skills, personal and group…

Describing the development, organization, and activities of a living history program designed around principles of experiential learning to stimulate student interest in American history, this article discusses the interdisciplinary approach and includes a schedule of a day-long field trip simulating garrison life 200 years ago. (SB)