The author identifies eight factors as essential to the success of a school camping program: enthusiastic staff, curriculum developed around unique outdoor experiences, instruction stressing "doing" rather than "telling," a schedule allowing flexibility, student input in planning, inservice for staff, use of trained counselors, and community…

Discusses the record of magnet schools in increasing and equalizing student opportunity, building educational quality, and improving student learning. (SR)

Discusses the components of a successful band program. Argues that such programs are organized, community- and school-oriented, and musically centered in terms of student and group accomplishments. (FL)

Discusses national teacher certification efforts by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Notes responses from governors, school districts, and in educational journals, and mentions three booklets available from NBPTS headquarters. (SR)

Promotes and describes the notion of "charter schools" that would be organized by any qualified party, recognized by the state, and open to all comers. (SR)

Considers the merits and faults of the voucher system and compares it to the magnet school concept, which embraces the favorable aspects of the voucher system while minimizing the principal objections to such a system. (Author/RK)

An educational architecture based on six years of elementary school, four years of high school, four years of college, and whatever years of university work that may be necessary for a Masters, Doctorate, or professional degree is described. (DB)

Argues that alternative education can promote excellence and high expectations within a nontraditional school setting, with educators rethinking key assumptions, and using a progressive education model with problem solving as a central feature. (SR)

Discusses numerous variables in and out of the classroom, beyond the control of the teacher, that have great impact on the learning process. Considers classroom interruption, changes in the family unit, heterogeneous grouping in classes, and the change in the level of involvement by parents with education--all of which make excellence in education…