This article reviews the current status of the behavior disorders field in the context of increasing criticisms of special education generally. It notes critical issues within the field and reviews its strengths, contributions, notable achievements, and capacity to produce high quality research. Challenges such as the need to translate research…

Reviews recent literature on family literacy programs and examines the assumptions made by many programs in light of cultural and educational implications. Explores research methodology and interpretation in family literacy and describes some promising practices for public schools that can affect such programs positively. (SLD)

Presents the reconstruction of conversations and e-mail correspondences with Dr. Marcia Baxter Magolda regarding students'"ways of knowing." Dr. Baxter Magolda reveals various ways in which students beginning college learn, offers examples of effective teaching, and exemplifies principles for promoting learning. (VWC)

Discusses how to develop long-term stability in schools and develop good leadership. Focuses on board structure and behavior, leadership style, and other factors that assist in ensuring a longer term for trustees and heads. Divides heads into four categories: amiables, expressives, drivers, and analyticals. (VWC)

Discusses the importance of Montessori's Practical Life exercises for building character and self-esteem, more concern for others, better understanding for academic learning, and a self-nurturing, respectful classroom community. Considers aspects of movement and silence exercises for developing the child's contemplative and reflective nature that…

Surveys constructivism and developmental psychology, including work by Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, Gardner, Kamii, and DeVries. Considers the influence of Montessori pedagogy on early childhood education in contrast to its neglect in professional literature. (JPB)

This article comments on recommended changes to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) included in "Perspectives on the Future of the IDEA" (Hardman and others), and makes alternative recommendations that focus upon building the capacities of schools to support all children as active participants and valued members of…

An Australian "School of the Air" teacher describes his experiences teaching isolated rural students in grades 3 and 4 via radio and teleconferencing. He discusses lesson materials, exceptional student work, "classroom" techniques for delivering Air lessons, home visits, parent involvement, and his own learning experience. (SV)

Responds to John King Gamble and states that, up to a point, Gamble is right when he says that universities are different from other organizations. But the 21st century will see more principles of corporate management applied to public universities, along with more attention to recruitment and retention of students. The matter is one of balance…

Discusses the role of student projects to provide opportunities for self-expression and self-knowledge as a first lesson in peace education. Describes activities for 3- to 6-year olds, including creating a memory book; 6- to 9-year olds, including developing an illustrated timeline of their lives and daily journaling; and for 9- to 12-year olds,…

Examines how the Montessori community can work for peace within individuals, the schools, and the Montessori community itself by building school identity, creating family-friendly schools, building community within the faculty, and building a community of schools among the competing schools in the local area. Describes several peace programs for…

This article discusses the directions being taken in gifted education in New Zealand. It examines current policies regarding gifted education and outlines key educational principles. Recommendations are made in the areas of national leadership, local policies, increased resources, assessment, professional development, parental involvement,…

States that the proponents of "constructivistic didactic" are claiming a new approach in the field of General Didactic. Explores four background theories of constructivistic didactic, reconstructs its central arguments, offers examples of constructivistic teaching recommendations, and analyzes the constructivistic didactic in the context…

Examines the discussion of a constructivist consideration of learning for its capacity to limit the position of educational instruction by a new perspective on the subject. Offers a learning theory that understands learning as a subjective activity in the context of society. (CMK)

Provides information on night school, also called shift school. States that night school accommodates the rehabilitation of young people. Questions whether it has the capabilities that would make it a rehabilitative educational institution. Examines the activities of night school to determine its principal mission. (CMK)