Reports a study that examined 16 educational reform networks that are used as alternative forms of teacher and school development. The results identified five shared organizational themes and five shared tensions. This paper describes educational reform networks, discusses essential elements, examines the themes and tensions, and suggests…

Describes projects designed to modernize and improve education and increase investment in Chile. Identifies competitiveness, economic development, and free-market ideology as principles undergirding this educational movement. Outlines specific approaches for teachers, students, and administrators. (MJP)

Discusses the role of citizenship education from the post-World War II period to the present. Finds that social studies teachers may not be providing students with participatory experiences such as community projects, even though research indicates that these activities encourage civic participation. (CFR)

Considers the dilemma of the instrumental specialist suddenly forced to take over general music class instruction. Advises keeping an open and flexible attitude while realistically appraising the situation. Provides a list of helpful tips and the comments of instrumentalists who found the experience to be a positive one. (MJP)

Describes the processes involved in redesigning and renovating Power Middle School (Michigan) for current and future educational technology, particularly for the media center. Topics discussed include planning; time management; wiring infrastructure; voice and video networks; teacher and student multimedia production rooms; and communications…

Reports on an action research study to determine the possibilities of extending language development opportunities for 26 male 4 to 5-year-old students. Describes teaching methods used, including story telling, questioning, and drama. Explores issues that emerged during the study and evaluates teacher behavior. (CFR)

Documents and evaluates effects of inservice teacher education on rural-school teachers' behaviors and beliefs about microcomputers in science teaching. Describes the ENLIST Micros training program and the beliefs, behavior, and evaluation instruments utilized. Results indicated significant changes in teachers' beliefs toward and use of…

School-based media provide information, help organize information and ideas, help create values and attitudes, help shape expectations, and provide models for action. Schools should continuously involve students in analyzing media message systems and help students develop critical thinking (including media literacy). (RLC)

A Kean College (New Jersey) program in English as a Second Language (ESL) designed to ease students' transition to mainstream classes focuses on reinforcing existing English skills, encouraging interaction between limited-English-speaking and native-speaking students, providing academic support, encouraging confidence, and helping teachers modify…

Reports on an interview with the president, past president, and president elect of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) about the impact of the national standards movement and the future of social studies education. Discusses the Goals 2000 national standards projects and their relationship to NCSS Social Studies Standards efforts.…

Provides an overview of problems facing Asia's developing countries as they strive to achieve economic development. Reviews trends in universal primary education; continuing education; restructuring secondary education; communications technology, vocational education, and professional development of teachers. (CFR)

Reports on activities and concerns of the Soviet Union's Academy of Pedagogical Sciences in conjunction with educational reform. Calls for systematic improvement, of which "the pedagogy of cooperation" is only a part. Emphasizes creative teaching methods and better coordination between research and classroom practice. Reviews individual…

Presents five articles by teachers who have incorporated stress management concepts into their preschool and elementary curricula. Educators and parents are given information about the stress process and how to help children cope with inevitable stressors. The gymnasium environment is recommended as well suited for teaching children how to handle…

Describes a two-year program developed at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to address the need for improvement in physics and physical science teaching in Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Discusses participant selection procedures, program evaluation, program impact, and participant developed teaching materials and…

Briefly describes Oregon's 1991 gifted education law; formal parent complaints alleging noncompliance by Portland and Salem-Keizer school districts; state department of education findings of noncompliance; and the steps taken to improve gifted education. Sidebars discuss tailoring teacher training to the community, and Northwest regional resources…