Critical to the success of current efforts to reform and restructure education and other community supports and services to improve the lives of children and their families is the way in which they are financed. This report of The Finance Project presents an overview of eight initiatives that have overcome some of the barriers created by turf…

One of the most critical challenges faced by the field of child welfare is the need to understand and respond effectively to changes in the multicultural nature of American society. This guide for human service agencies, developed by the Child Welfare League of America, is designed to assist agencies in their move toward cultural competence.…

The National Association of State Directors of Special Education has established the Professional Development Leadership Academy to assist states in meeting state improvement plan requirements of the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Professional development is crucial to this endeavor and will be accomplished…

This book presents a theoretical basis for Professional Development Schools (PDSs) as well as practical guidance for establishing, funding, and evaluating them. It offers a comprehensive view of the role that PDSs play in today's educational renewal efforts and insights about the potential that a quality PDS can bring to learning at many levels.…

This action research project evaluated a program to improve student motivation. The targeted population consisted of sixth- and eleventh-grade students in grammar/literature, physical education, and social studies classes in suburban Chicago. Three interventions were selected: incorporation of multiple intelligence strategies, implementation of…

What are some ways to do classroom observations in short visits of 5-15 minutes? The responsibilities of school site administrators are numerous and varied, yet one of the most important, is for them to support an environment that provides a high quality instructional program for every student. In surveys completed by teachers about what they…

Examines fears of race genocide and selected social background factors among a random sample of Blacks in a rural Texas community. Findings revealed substantial fear of genocide on six indicators. Degree of fear varied with age, sex, education, and usage of birth control. (CMG)

Presents a common set of characteristics observed among victims of battering and a profile of men who batter. Analyzes the destructive forces that keep victims captive and suggests a counseling methodology. Outlines stages through which a battered woman may progress in deciding to leave the battering situation. (Author/JAC)

Changes in faculty and students, the dichotomy between "liberal" and "useful" education, and ways to modify the curriculum and disseminate results are among areas considered. (MSE)

Efforts to reform teacher education are traced, and the need for a prestigious, permanent national body to bring educational constituencies together is proposed. Such an organization could work on national education problems, set certification standards, and do long-range planning on difficulties such as fluctuations in teacher supply and demand.…

Compensatory education students and mildly handicapped special education students would be better served by a single system meeting the needs of both groups. Student classification methods, historical, political, and pedagogical reasons for separating the programs, and alternatives to the existing arrangement are discussed. (PP)

Argues that only when educators understand the mutual interaction of the educational system and the economy, join local and state coalitions to address the underlying issues producing the current fiscal crisis, and work for local control can economic conditions affecting the schools change and allow educational quality to improve. (Author/PGD)

An interview with David Berliner explores his claims that research on teacher effectiveness will only be applied practically when "connoisseurs of teaching" act as teacher coaches, helping teachers to analyze the effects of their behaviors, specify new behaviors, and assess the results. (PGD)

A point system was introduced at an elementary school in British Columbia whereby: (1) students lost points for their entire class when they misbehaved; and (2) point totals were openly posted daily and weekly. The method proved effective in improving the behavior of the whole school population. (Authors/PP)

Uses a cross-cultural perspective to challenge the United States to change its educational policies. Examines Asian educational policies and strategies and their results, suggesting that they can provide useful models for policy analysts. Recommends greater support for education and a change in the policy of family estrangement from the school.…