Despite the best of intentions on the part of overworked and undertrained classroom teachers, instructional planning can too often be described as idiosyncratic, haphazard, and lacking any logically or pedagogically defensible structure. In this article, Tim Westerberg highlights the importance of a unifying planning framework that ensures…

The concept of personalization in learning appeals to many K-12 teachers and students weary of regimented, one-size-fits-all instruction. The in-vogue term personalization is used to refer to many different learning strategies and structures--from personal learning plans to greater student voice. Differentiation expert Carol Ann Tomlinson is…

Casey Cuny was frustrated with the lack of depth in his high school English students' writing. He'd heard about Socratic seminars but was reluctant to try them until he saw them in action. He decided to conduct Socratic seminars with his students centered on the question, What is the value of life? In past years, student papers on this…

Some violence prevention programs do not work because they are poorly targeted, provide materials without implementation strategies, apply neighborhood methods to school settings, and project unrealistic notions about the social forces underlying violence. Schools cannot eliminate all conflict but should go beyond violence prevention to create a…

Outlines a four-step grading system to help teachers implement standards-based education. Teachers should design a workable format; define three sets of codes (for assessment types, performance levels, and time periods); create a grade book with easily accessible student grade sheets; and monitor and adjust the process. (MLH)

Author presents a number of operational programs with some of their respective characteristics which may be of value in planning programs in local school districts. (Author/CB)

About 5 to 15 percent of teachers in 2.7 million public-education classrooms are marginal or incompetent. Assistance plans offer structure, purpose, and remedial help. Plans have six components: definition of the problem, statement of objectives, intervention strategies, a timeline, data-collection procedures, and final judgment. (MLH)

Out-of-school educational settings and activities should involve varied learning modes deviating from the narrow skills and tasks of schooling. As a Los Angeles after-school program shows, students learn better when instruction builds on what they already know, helps them express their ideas, and develops activities related to their interests.…

Boston's Diploma Plus program helps 16- to 22-year-old dropouts gain the skills and confidence necessary for graduation, continued education, and work. The program establishes high expectations, enlivens teaching and learning, measures progress by actual performance, and builds in continuous assessment and challenging postsecondary experiences.…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: Studies comparing various models or processes of staff development are rare. While it is not possible to state conclusively that one inservice design is superior to another, we can put together the many pieces of research reviewed here to make some general recommendations about staff development…

Collaborative school reform occurs when teachers, parents, students, and administrators creatively design and implement a block schedule. Planners should use a systems approach, secure superiors' support, understand the change process, involve all stakeholders, consult outside resources, brainstorm alternatives, examine budgetary implications,…

Two recent studies have concluded that integrated learning systems have enormous potential but are seldom fully implemented. ILSs can transform classrooms if accompanied by increased time-on-task, computerized learning resources, effective assessment and reporting, guaranteed individualized instruction, and facilitative teachers. Sound…

By capitalizing on students' strengths and interests, reading styles instruction can help most youngsters become proficient readers. It is natural for children to enjoy reading. They should be challenged with high-level reading materials. Every student has a special reading style that develops at different times and rates. Successful programs are…

Since 1990, when a Fort Meyers (Florida) school became the nation's first core-knowledge site, over 50 other schools have taken pioneering steps to teach this curriculum. Core-knowledge guidelines include school-community understanding, acceptance, and involvement; alignment of curriculum with local and state guidelines; and collaboration and…