David Nufer, Alaska's National Distinguished Principal for 1999, uses collaboration to create a family atmosphere at Finger Lake (Alaska) Elementary School. He turned the scheduling process over to teachers, involved teachers and parents in implementing a two-track system of mixed and single-age classrooms, brought in senior citizens to supplement…

Addresses the issues of teachers professional knowledge and professionalism and stresses the design of school practice outside the classroom as a growing aspect of teachers work. Believes that seeing curriculum making and the designing of school work as a virtual practice opens new ways of visualizing teacher education programs. (CMK)

Expands on ideas presented in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) study "Innovation in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education" (SMTE) where 23 projects aimed at enhancing the appeal of these three school subjects. Discusses the implications of the SMTE reform efforts on teaching practices and how…

Current practices in faculty education pertaining to college students with learning disabilities are reviewed. Discrepancies between the evolving faculty role and current education practices are examined, and guiding questions are proposed for expanding education efforts to keep pace with the faculty role in providing access for students with…

Uses a Steinerian perspective to examine recent trends in educational policy and practices in Great Britain. Discusses aspects of Steiner's approach that support children's development: reality, respect, rhythm, and morality. Maintains that the toy represents elements of early child development that are unique to that period and form the basis for…

Draws on the findings from the School Effectiveness in South Africa Project (SESA) and the Committee for a Culture of Learning and Teaching (CCOLT) conducted with schools located within Johannesburg (South Africa). Explains that both the SESA and CCOLT point to ways in which black schooling in South Africa is occurring. (CMK)

Discusses how early childhood programs can blend developmentally appropriate practices with early childhood special education recommended practices. The elements of an inclusive program and the guidelines to developmentally appropriate practice are explained, and strategies for implementing both practices within the same setting are described. (CR)

Analysis of questionnaires and interviews with Tanzanian health and education professionals found that 41% reported having received training in speech and language difficulties but that 68% considered themselves responsible for assisting children with such problems. No evidence of research or planning for these children was found. A copy of the…

A high school teacher recalls his own alienation from school as a high school student and relates it to the current overriding emphasis on school discipline. School discipline problems are a natural result of coercive educational practices, which have resisted repeated reform efforts. In an alternative educational model, (self-)discipline would…

Compares characteristics of high school educational systems from 10 countries with exemplary educational systems. Describes a resulting set of world class standards and observes the acceptance or rejection of these standards in the United States. Discusses world class practices in American high schools. Offers a starter agenda for delivering world…

The methodological approach to technology education is illustrated by the case study of the development Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays in a small Dutch company. Problems emerge when this development is not dealt with according to nature of technologies involved. In technology education such insights can be used to prevent practices in which…

Defines telematics and argues that India should exploit telematics resources for training. Describes training through telematics and virtual means, as well as a redefinition of the notion of training. Discusses the cost factor and its influence on policy at different levels. (AEF)

The Annenberg Institute for School Reform recently invited three distinguished educators (a superintendent, principal, and teacher leader) to Providence, Rhode Island, to reflect on the relationship between leadership and student achievement. Schools must tap into educators' training backgrounds; conversations at all levels must stress increasing…

Describes how face-to-face meetings, field trips, and Internet technology with team planning helped a teacher educator at Augusta State University in Georgia overcome barriers to preparing prospective middle school teachers as effective team members. Illustrates impact on small-group decision making, expectations for team functioning, and…

Provides background on civic education in the United States and differentiates between civic and citizenship education. Discusses content and reflective inquiry instructional approaches and their integration through national standards. States that national standards have the potential to refocus attention on civic learning. Addresses the future of…