The main implication seems to be that the national government should take care. If it wants to solve social problems at the level of the individual, the Follow Through experience offers no encouragement that it can be done through federally directed curricular reform. (Author)

Examines the Abt Associates, Inc. findings on the effectiveness of Project Follow Through and disputes the report's conclusion that so-called "basic skills" approaches to the schooling of poor children are superior to other methods. (Author)

Examines the Oregon program in which each school district establishes and measures its own set of competency standards. (Author/IRT)

Cites some examples of programs in which students develop basic skills in connection with meaningful activities. (Author/MLF)

Describes the Jefferson County Primary Integrated Curriculum program. Developed as an interdisciplinary curriculum, the program allows primary students to work holistically. The article includes Learning Units. (MD)

A Chicago project used the concept of the extended Black family and the interdependence that exists within that relationship to develop a peer-group/cross-age tutoring program as a strategy for teaching and/or reinforcing reading skills. (Author)

A new series of instructional television programs designed for fifth and sixth grades, will reinforce basic skills while helping students learn to solve real-world problems. (Author/MLF)

The High/Scope educational approach emphasizes child-initiated learning activities for preschool/elementary school children. A research study shows that compared to children receiving direct instruction, High/Scope kids later showed more prosocial and less antisocial behaviors. Another study showed that poor High/Scope students had better…

Responding to doubts about the validity of test results that showed the Pittsburgh School District's school improvement project to be highly successful, the district validated its results by administering a different test to a representative sample of students in secure conditions. (MCG)

Trained in affective methods, teachers in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) are helping students raise reading scores, improve comprehension, and feel good about learning. (Author/JM)

The rationale, implementation, and impact of the Promotional Gates Program are reported by a New York City Board of Education executive director. The program combines a stiffened promotion policy with special remedial services for students failing to meet minimal standards at grades four and seven. (MJL)

Liberty High School is a one-year transitional school in New York City dedicated to helping immigrant students feel welcome, adjust to their new environment, learn to read and write in English, and become self-assured. Led by a "hands-on" principal, the school specializes in life skills and free clinic referrals. (MLH)

By combining hands-on research and telecommunications, the National Geographic Society's Kids Network enables K-8 students to grapple with basic science and geography concepts, hone communication and research skills, and network with kids around the world. Students focus on real-world problems, work cooperatively, and share results in class…

Numerous reports and articles have decried the mediocrity of U.S. students' foreign language skills and have called for improved language education. One study that looked at foreign language education in 19 countries suggests several characteristics of successful foreign language programs: starting early, providing an articulated framework,…