A city-wide elementary school reading program that emphasizes mastery learning and continuous progress in Chicago, Continuous Progress--Mastery Learning, is blamed for the declining reading test scores of high school students there. The program's origins and evolution are described along with a new program, Chicago Mastery Learning Reading, which…

Reports are given on the use of computers in elementary and secondary schools in five states. An analysis of the reports discusses various educational trends and implications evolving from computer use, including misapplied technology and the proper amount of learning and teaching via computers. (CJ)

This article offers suggestions to improve students' self-images, make assemblies more personal, get students to care about others and to care about their school. (MT)

Four ways teachers can prepare for the upcoming school year are outlined: (1) organizing "teacher-idea" clippings; (2) planning for minicourses; (3) a project for cleaning up the community; and (4) setting up a classroom interest center. (JMK)

Tips for obtaining computers for educational use are presented in this article about grants and foundations, for free computers, from the computer companies of Apple, Atari, and Tandy/Radio Shack. Also discussed are Commodore Business Machines, Osborne Computing Corporation, and Texas Instruments. (CJ)

Thirty-five outstanding educational programs were identified by a panel composed of educators, parents, and students. Computer programs are listed in the areas of reading and language arts, mathematics, general problem solving, science, social studies, creative arts, foreign languages, and computer literacy. (PP)

A City Building Education System uses the process of city planning to teach basic reading, writing, and math skills to children from kindergarten through junior high school and to stimulate creative thinking and problem solving abilities. (JMF)

Schools should stimulate, challenge, and, above all, educate children, but not primarily in the three R's. The common school, which emphasizes learning how to learn, is essential to the preservation and cultivation of a democratic way of life. (CJ)

"Learning" magazine evaluated computer software marketed in 1982 for: (1) accuracy of content; (2) quality of instructional design; (3) audience suitability; (4) creative use of technology; and (5) value of instructional information. Judging included field-tests with students. Award-winning products are listed by subject area, along with other…