The Trolley Problem as defined in this paper is a series, or continuation, of increasingly difficult ethical riddles successfully implemented in a classroom environment to spur complex, critical thinking and dialogue. The activity is designed upon the scenario of a runaway train with different and challenging choices, segueing neatly into group…

This article introduces the Special Class for the Gifted Young (SCGY), an early college entrance program in mathematics and science in China, which has been a focus for media coverage and public discussion of accelerated education in China. We first describe the admission policy and academic programming of SCGY and delineate its distinct features.…

This report uses statistics to examine current conditions and changes over time in education activities and outcomes for different racial/ethnic groups in the United States. This report shows that over time, students in the racial/ethnic groups of White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska…

This paper presents the results of a survey administered during the spring of 2005. At this time, graduates of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program from two public schools in a large city in British Columbia, Canada, were asked to respond to 20 statements on a 4-point Likert-type scale, and to 7 open-ended questions. Graduates from the…

Academic sociologists have recently increased their focus on improving high school sociology. Reform efforts include networking between teachers and universities, improving curriculum, and enhancing teacher training. I propose that this list be expanded to include setting curricular standards. Current trends in educational reform center on…

In this report, the Commission on General Education in the 21st Century--a panel of University of California faculty and administrators--issues a call for renewed attention to general education in research universities, highlighting specific reforms for University of California campuses. In addition to analyzing the historical, institutional, and…

This study evaluated the achievements of 65 young entrants as beginning undergraduates in a highly selective university. Compared to nonaccelerants, subjects tended to graduate in a shorter period of time and earn more honors. Starting college with a large number of Advanced Placement Program credits was the best predictor of outstanding academic…

This report presents the current Advanced Placement policies of 51 Missouri public and private, 2- and 4-year colleges and universities. It is noted that students taking Advanced Placement courses develop high academic expectations and increased satisfaction from challenging coursework. In addition, the completion of Advanced Placement courses…

Progress toward meeting the recommendations for quality improvements made by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) in 1981 in "The Need for Quality" is reviewed, and suggestions for state actions to improve undergraduate education in the SREB states are offered. High school graduation requirements in SREB states are identified,…