Noting the challenges presented for kindergarten teachers by current demands for accountability based on standardized measures that ignore diversity, this book presents ideas for implementing a developmentally-appropriate kindergarten curriculum within the constraints of American public schools. Following introductory remarks, the book is…

This document discusses North Carolina Community College System's mission statement "to open the door to opportunity for individuals seeking to improve their lives and well-being..." The North Carolina Community College System was designated the primary lead agency for delivering job training, literacy, and adult education programs. The…

"Harvard Education Letter" is published bimonthly at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. This issue of "Harvard Education Letter" contains the following articles: (1) Adolescent Literacy: Are We Overlooking the Struggling Teenage Reader? (Robert Rothman); (2) The "N-Word" and the Racial Dynamics of Teaching (Wendy Luttrell and Janie Ward);…

There are a number of studies that classify governing boards into different types. Some classifications are based on management form. Some are based on the form in which authority is exercised. Some are based on the form of institution that the board serves. Most of these classifications include "working boards," but few offer a clear…

"School Reform in Chicago" shares the lessons learned from the city of Chicago's school reform efforts over the past two decades, the most ambitious in history, becoming a huge laboratory for innovations in areas such as school governance, leadership, accountability, and community involvement. In 1987, The U.S. Secretary of Education…

When people think about how education at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels can promote human rights, most people think about the content. For example, they think about lessons on topics such as overcoming discrimination or the right to a fair trial. However, teaching for human rights is not only about the "what," the content of…

College faculty leaders, presidents, and board members must affirm their obligations to the public trust, in part by taking more responsibility for creating accountability through accreditation rather than serving political interests. Institutional integrity is built by cultivating innovation, self-scrutiny, and ongoing public discourse. (MSE)

Institutionally imposed limits on social relationships provoke compelling questions. Reviewed five policies written to define the relationship of faculty/staff and student, considered ethical and legal implications, and responsibilities of student development personnel for leadership in this area. An appendix provides a model policy scheme. (JBJ)

Notes that, despite years of public outcry, children's issues still receive little attention from legislators and others in public policy. Suggests that lack of active commitment and involvement by administrators, teachers, and the public permit this to continue. Offers four key ingredients that together comprise a strategic framework for action…

Presents responses of seven U.S. business leaders (G. Ball, J. Hume, S. Ingram, D. Kearns, T. Peters, D. Roberts, and T. Roeser) to questions about the six national goals for elementary education and secondary education by the year 2000. Highlights enhanced accountability, educational vouchers, structural reform, and resource allocation. (JB)

Washington State reform themes include movement from input- to output-based systems, student performance standards, and certification of mastery; shift from standardized testing to performance-based measurement; blurred distinctions between grades and schooling levels; greater local control in implementing teaching, learning, and assessment…

The old era of educational assessment and reasons for its demise are described. The new era will be different and will present four challenges to the assessment community: (1) new assessment targets; (2) technical challenges of alternative assessments; (3) demystifying assessment and evaluation; and (4) reexamining assessment priorities. (SLD)

Allied health education's mission is to prepare graduates to care for community's health; provide contemporary clinical care; participate in the emerging system and accommodate expanded accountability; ensure cost-effective care and appropriate technology use; practice prevention/promote healthy lifestyles; involve patients/family in decision…

Heightened demand for testing is seen as a function of public skepticism regarding the quality of public education. Discusses developments and trends in the following areas: (1) minimum competency testing versus higher order skills testing; (2) kindergarten and first grade readiness testing; (3) portfolio-based assessment; and (4) teacher…

Analyzes educational practitioners' responses to the fundamental reforms proposed in President Bush's America 2000 educational reform initiatives. Considers national support for and resistance to three proposal essentials (accountability, choice, and deregulation). Discusses the efforts' possible derailment in favor of headline grabbing…