Case studies of six high schools identified eight features that promote the success of language-minority (LM) students: (1) respect for students' languages and cultures; (2) teachers' high expectations of students; (3) LM as a leadership priority; (4) staff development; (5) LM-specific courses; (6) counseling; (7) parent involvement; and (8)…

Introduces law-related education (LRE) projects developed in Texas, highlighting the State Bar of Texas' LRE curriculum, "Law in a Changing Society." Identifies LRE's nontraditional methods, including role playing, simulations, debates, mock trials, and lectures from community professionals. Stresses LRE's ability to teach responsible…

Recommends that the study of global issues be grounded in the study of war and peace, and urges teaching students that citizens can play an active part in public policy change. Provides nine questions as a basis for an instructional unit and includes a chronology chart and nuclear history of the five major nuclear powers. (NL)

Presents the school-based mediation program at Law and Public Service Magnet High School (Cleveland, Ohio). Highlights the positive results involving students in school governance. Argues traditional discipline policies obstruct student ethical development. Narrates several examples of students resolving conflicts, becoming engaged with their…

A first-grade teacher describes how she successfully applied the writing process model to her classroom readings. Focuses on one student's experience with reading.(BB)

Presents a statement to the Montgomery County (Maryland) Council concerning the issue of all-day "whole" kindergarten--combining education and child care--for five-year-old children. (BB)

This study investigated two questions: (1) will student selection of instructional materials motivate them to learn and (2) are female students reacting to discrimination in textbooks? Tested an instructional method that included discussion, brainstorming, and keeping journals and logs. Concludes that students' performance improves when they see a…

Considers policy and practice issues concerning public school-based and school-operated prekindergarten programs. Issues discussed include developmentally appropriate programs, teacher qualifications, turnover and retention, parent involvement, ethnic and racial representation among staff, and comprehensive and competing services. (BB)

Poor and minority children, who make up nearly a quarter of American youth, have not been benefited by the educational reform movement. Their needs can be better met through the following means: (1) the reassertion of the family's role in schooling; (2) closer school-community ties; and (3) community schools and community outreach programs. (AF)

Observation of a single high school foreign-language classroom, focusing on the relationships between the foreign-language curriculum and the classroom dynamics, highlighted frequently invisible organizational pressures and the distance between idealistic curricula and policy and teachers' and students' needs. (CB)

Examines the history and importance of parent involvement in schools. Explores ways that urban schools can increase the participation of poor and minority parents. Suggests that schools might develop wider community partnerships. (FMW)

Asserts that the relationship between students and faculty is the result of responses to a negotiated social setting. Reports on a study of 132 college students on factors that might affect class participation. Offers four recommendations for faculty to encourage student participation and responses to questions. (CFR)

Reports on the use of Microsim, a computer simulation, to teach an introductory college statistics/econometrics course. Reports enhanced student involvement, improved student achievement, and positive student attitudes toward the course as a result of using the simulation. (CFR)

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…

Preschoolers, first, and second graders in multiage groups learned about space along with learning about language and report writing in a semester-long unit. Participation in project decision making resulted in a high degree of ownership by students. (ET)