About three-fourths of the states have already adopted the Common Core State Standards, which were designed to provide more clarity about and consistency in what is expected of student learning across the country. However, given the brief time since the standards' final release in June, questions persist among educators, who will have the…

Early childhood and elementary-level educators are engaging in conversations about how to coordinate their efforts to develop fluent readers. There is evidence that key early literacy skills that are predictive of subsequent literacy achievement in kindergarten and first grade can be taught to preschool-age children. Moreover, early childhood…

One of the most important roles of a principal is that of early childhood advocate. It is a role supported by an abundance of research showing that students who enter school having experienced high-quality preschool are better equipped and adjusted to meet today's kindergarten programs. But where does a busy principal--pushed to the maximum with…

Academically oriented after-school programs can be an effective way to provide extra help to students who need it. Research points to the importance of well-designed programs established to meet specific goals. The report lists and describes the elements of successful after-school programs. (Contains 4 online resources.)

The head of a firm that specializes in developing, operating, and evaluating after-school programs for schools and districts provides a useful guide to their planning, staffing, and sustainability. (Author)

Teachers and staff as well as students are not immune to substance abuse. Presented are simple guidelines on what to look for in physical effects, what to do if someone is suspected, and how to get help. (SI)

In the midnineties, Albuquerque Public Schools developed an Extra Support for Principals initiative-a voluntary support program that respects participants' time constraints and schedules only three activities during the year. Both experienced and mentored principals value the program, which keeps more beginning administrators on the job. (MLH)

A Boston principal reflects on decade-long efforts to get students and their families to read together. Initiatives ranged from reading contests and upgraded reading materials to reading contracts, literacy shows, parent/home visiting programs, pizza parties, and off-site tutors. Persistence paid off in higher reading scores. (MLH)

Parents as Educational Partners (PEP) is an intervention program providing direct services to students through a parent/school instructional partnership. Grandview, Missouri's PEP aims to have all third grader participants functioning on grade level in reading and math. PEP is successful in three areas: attitude, attendance, and achievement.…

A reading specialist provides tips for developing a student publishing center aimed at improving writing skills and involving students in all publishing operations. Steps include assembling a planning team, considering various models, gaining financial assistance, furnishing the center, gathering needed supplies, and launching the program. (MLH)

Lists and discusses 12 components of special education programs that principals and special education teachers can incorporate in new programs, can review in existing programs, and can use as a basis for developing goals for teacher evaluations. (PGD)

Describes a New Parents as Teachers program developed in the McDonald County R-1 School District (Missouri). Includes a sidebar on program goals for parents as teachers. (MD)

According to advocates, school uniforms reduce gang influence, decrease families' clothing expenditures, and help mitigate potentially divisive cultural and economic differences. Aiming to improve school climate, a California elementary school adopted uniforms as a source of pride and affiliation. This article describes the development of the…

Most schools need to review and revise disciplinary rules each year, but good administrator never publishes list of rules that have not been endorsed by "significant others" on staff or in community. By starting process in April or May, instead of August, the principal has several months to secure the necessary endorsements and involve parents.…

Many elementary schools are adding a prekindergarten year because of increasing concern for at-risk children lacking adequate supervision. Meeting a child's needs early is much more effective than later remediation. This article discusses three major considerations in designing such programs: teacher selection, space requirements, and…