The chapters in this volume illustrate how teachers are bringing creativity, higher-order thinking, and meaningful learning activities into particular school settings despite pressures of standards and testing. The editors chose the word wise for the title of this book, and they use it frequently to describe the pedagogical practices they have…

"Better Teaching and Learning in the Digital Classroom" is essential reading for any education professional or parent who wants to make the most of what the newest technologies have to offer. School spending on new computer technologies has mushroomed in recent years, as educators try to find every strategic advantage to improve teaching…

The Texas Study of Students at Risk (TxSSAR) is a comprehensive evaluation examining the effectiveness of three state-level programs with the common goal of helping students at risk of failure to achieve academically. The study comprises investigations of the Optional Extended Year Program (OEYP), the Texas After School Initiative (TASI), and the…

Describes how Oyster Bilingual School's (Washington, DC) two-way Spanish-English language plan functions in its sociopolitical context. It is noted that this plan is part of a larger identity plan aiming to promote social change by socializing children differently from the way they are socialized in mainstream US educational discourse. (46…

Examines changes in knowledge structures and beliefs related to class management experienced by middle school preservice teachers (n=23). The study charts changes in concerns, skills, and attitudes through the initial, middle, and concluding student teaching stages. A framework of change for class management concepts is reported and influences…

The growth experienced by Middlebury College (Vermont) in the 1980s brought stature and satisfaction. However, rising costs in the early 1990s resulted in more strategic planning and some retrenchment, focusing on enhancing the institution's excellence in certain liberal arts areas, gradual enrollment increases, cost and price containment,…

Analyzes and explains the change of a crowd into a mob. Uses as a case study the behavior of crowds involved in the integration of two previously all-White elementary schools in New Orleans (Louisiana). Emphasizes the role of the White students who continued to attend the schools. (FMW)

Describes an inservice course for sixth-form teachers to examine ways of moving away from course books and discussing ways of getting pupils to be more competent orally, especially in the context of discussion issues as opposed to general conversation. Two intensive courses were used as the basis for the inservice day. (CK)

Describes criteria developed to determine which of three existing computer-based training lessons could be repurposed into a multimedia format. Reasons for repurposing, types of criteria generated to determine the instruction's repurposeability, and lessons learned from the evaluation experience are covered. (Contains 13 references.) (KRN)

An overview of the innovative curriculum and program design of Hampshire College (Massachusetts), a liberal arts college opened in 1970, looks at its educational philosophy, nontraditional curriculum structure, underlying economic assumptions, recordkeeping, administrative organization, employment policy, governance, and student life. (MSE)

Examines elementary school students' use of an online public access catalog to investigate the interaction between children, technology, curriculum, instruction, and learning. Highlights include patterns of successes and breakdowns; search strategies; instructional approaches and childrens' interests; structure of interaction; search terms; and…

Explains a lesson in which secondary social studies or history students research origins of the freedoms to assemble and petition the government. Points out that the lesson provides students with an opportunity to examine how these freedoms evolved since the American Revolution. Reports that students discuss how to protect these freedoms during…

Describes the findings from a case study of a chemistry teacher who participated as a coresearcher in investigating the process of change. This teacher attempted to shift the focus of his teaching away from teacher-centered practices and emphasis on content to student-centered practices and emphasizing problem solving relevant to the use of…

Team Lincoln was created to foster collaboration between the university and the school and to provide a program of organized recess activities for 450 at-risk children in grades 1-6. This school-based service learning program is described, and an evaluation of the program is presented including two case studies. (Author/EMK)

A case study describes implementation of holistic changes at Jubilee Junior High School in Edson, Alberta (Canada). Changes included "large-group" instruction by a team of teachers; outcome-based assessment, including portfolios; integrated curriculum; and replacement of the school's hierarchical administration with a leadership team of…