Discusses independent elementary schools serving primarily Black urban students. Focuses on the following issues: (1) individualized attention; (2) small class size; (3) parent participation; (4) cultural values; and (5) school finance. Suggests that many of the principles and practices applied in independent schools could improve public…

Reports on a thesis and dissertation supervisory system that includes weekly meetings, task specification, feedback, and incentives. States that regular participants completed significantly more tasks when academic credit depended upon task completion, and that compared with a college-wide control group, a higher percentage of participants…

Describes the development and implementation of a continuing education program in art therapy for unemployed postsecondary art majors and others of similar background who want to enter this new field. Discusses administrative concerns, especially the program's incompatibility with other continuing education programs, and the program's eventual…

This essay provides examples of two types of educational assessment that serve two interrelated purposes of the reform movement. The first are climate-related evaluations that have created a sense of crisis, thereby stimulating a desire for change in schools. The second are policy-related evaluations at the state level that have stimulated major…

Examines the underlying forces prompting fundamental change in community colleges to meet the requirements of the Information Age. Recommends that community colleges direct institutional energy toward thinking holistically, streamlining governance, redefining faculty roles, diversifying funding, increasing student options, assuring educational…

Suggests that community college leaders have a clear mandate to place teaching and learning at the top of the educational agenda. Describes the forces--including the educational reform movement, the current political climate, social and demographic trends, and technological advances--driving the mandate to transform teaching and learning. (MAB)

Discusses the use of technology in six school locations across the United States for projects that enable children to learn and teach about themselves and where they live, while integrating and learning new technology. (JKP)

Reviews the past decades in second-language teaching and learning, including various teaching methods and the theory practice relationship. (Contains 18 references.) (CNP)

Provides Shapiro's background and experience in education and journalism that led to his interest in Montessori methods, Montessori schooling in the United States, and eventual publication of "The Public School Montessorian." Shares his sometimes controversial views on Montessori education and its proprietary and public characteristics.…

Describes the arrangements in Mount Clemens, Michigan, and Boston, Massachusetts, with the Edison Project. In this public-private partnership, Edison will be responsible for curriculum, facilities management, professional development, personnel, and food service. Cites other school districts considering having Edison schools. A sidebar summarizes…

Contests the conclusions of Wattenbarger and Witt concerning the role of William Rainey Harper in the founding of the California community college movement. Argues that Harper's ideals differ sharply from the legislation proposed by Senator Anthony Caminetti to fund high-school-based junior colleges and the goals of Fresno Junior College. (MAB)

Describes reorientations related to education innovation policies and discusses the development of a transformational school policy that gives schools a greater opportunity to become strategic organizations. A shift in paradigm for educational policy is examined, and comparisons between western European and U.S. policies are made. (71 references)…

Argues that the management of organizational culture is the key to successful innovation, drawing on empirical studies of Britain's Technical and Vocational Educational Initiative (TVEI). Embedding an innovation such as TVEI across a curriculum requires a new management style that transforms an academic-driven curriculum to one supporting and…

Describes an innovation in an outer-London comprehensive school and raises questions concerning its implementation. Describes the school and its context and outlines the innovation, Assertive Discipline. Presents classroom observations showing uneven interpretations by teachers and no positive effects on pupil behavior. Discusses seven potential…

This article examines the emergence of innovative policies in public postsecondary education systems and suggests that state postsecondary governance structures have influences on innovation that are independent of other social, educational, and economic factors. Policy implications are discussed. (SLD)