Ten years ago, in "Kappan," the author published a detailed account of the old-fashioned and unengaging instruction used at his son Max's Chicago elementary school. Now he updates readers with a reflection on Max's high school years, describing a curriculum and teaching practices that desperately need an overhaul. Thanks to its…

This paper describes high quality teaching practices in two schools that produce exceptional growth for all kinds of students. These practices focus on making the most of instructional time and exposing students to high quality content in a variety of contexts. They prove teachers don't need to choose between differentiating to meet students'…

Looking back in history may help teachers revitalize their teaching. Books written in the past offer effective strategies to be used in today's classrooms. Several of these books and their philosophy of education are explored. (DF)

This paper looks at effective schools research as it relates to classroom management in participating schools associated with Michigan's Upper Peninsula Effective Schools Professional Development Program--a staff development program based on effective schools research and designed to bring about school improvement. Effective schools research…

Seven schools show how to turn a challenge into an opportunity. Examples of how these schools work with the community to develop effective and motivating programs to meet student needs are presented. (DF)

A new body of educational research is now showing that there are many things teachers, principals, and schools can do to improve student performance. Effective teachers do five things: (1) focus teaching and curriculum selection on the basic skills; (2) provide most instruction to the class as a whole; (3) maintain a high student success rate; (4)…

Recent state reforms that embrace the effective schools movement may actually be counterproductive. These mandates encourage the persistence of outmoded, teacher centered, pedagogical practices and current school organizational structures, inhibiting the development of students' independent reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as the…

Guidelines for implementation of the team process as part of the middle school concept are presented. Topics discussed in the 13 chapters include effective middle school characteristics, student needs, curriculum design and development, team functions and effectiveness, scheduling, teaching strategies, student grouping, leadership, staff…