The effectiveness of work-based learning (WBL) was examined in an exploratory study of WBL in three different programs in Los Angeles: a transportation career academy (TCAP), medical magnet high school (MMHS), and school-based enterprise (SBE). Data were collected from the following sources: surveys examining students' WBL experience; interviews…

This paper describes alternative assessments being used successfully at two elementary magnet schools in North Carolina and summarizes case studies of the assessment development process. Assessments, grade levels, school years, and school districts in the case studies differed, but commonalities in developing the assessments enabled the…

Estimates suggest that there are more than 20,000 alternative schools in operation in the United States. The number of alternative schools as well as the number of students educated in these schools has increased significantly over recent years. Oftentimes these schools serve students who are not successful in the traditional school setting, and…

Most major urban boards across Canada have expressed interest in schools for the arts. The principal concern expressed by educators, and especially music educators, is the potentialy negative effect brought about by the loss of students and their leadership on the programs in the general school. (BRR)

Created in response to desegregation problems, the Grimes Center for Creative Education is a magnet school which emphasizes parent participation, an interdisciplinary arts curriculum, and a learning-by-doing approach. The success of Grimes illustrates how community concern over desegregation can be transformed into community support for quality…

Magnet schools may prematurely limit academic choices and neglect the needs of poor children. (JM)

The genesis of a formal gifted education program in Nigeria is traced from the period of the articulation of a national policy on education, through the pioneer magnet school approach, to the establishment of an academy for gifted children in 1987. Issues and problems besetting gifted education are recounted. (Author/CR)

Discusses the development of the concept arts education. Provides an example of an exemplary district wide arts education program in a Vancouver (Washington) school district as a context for comments on factors regarding districtwide implementation in other school districts. Addresses what constitutes a districtwide arts education program. (CMK)

New Haven's interdistrict magnet program draws from both city and suburban populations. Examples of three schools show how the program is promoting student achievement and diversity. (MLF)

This article discusses how Magnetic Levitation (Maglev) can be taught to gifted students in grades 4-9 using hands-on activities that align to the National Science Standards. Principles of magnetic levitation, advantages of magnetic levitation, construction of a Maglev project, testing and evaluation of vehicles, and presentation of the unit are…

Examines the advantage to urban education of school-to-work transition programs. A vision is presented for a work-centered education that takes full advantage of the best characteristics of cities and clarifies how this approach addresses some of the serious problems facing urban schools. The author indicates how these programs can invigorate…

Presents two geography problem-solving scenarios for use with elementary and middle school children or preservice teachers in social studies methods courses. Provides problems about the magnetic poles and the presence of ice in desert conditions. Calls upon teachers to encourage students to use their thinking skills to solve the problems. (SG)

Includes "The Choice Movement" (Brogan); "Choice in American Education" (Witte); "Role of Parents in Education" (Mawdsley); "As Arrows in the Hand" (Coons); "Vouchers in Wisconsin" (Underwood); "Milwaukee Parental Choice Program (MPCP)" (Grover); "Civil Liberties and the MPCP"…

Teachers at an interdisciplinary magnet middle school in Pensacola, Florida, collaboratively developed performance assessments to help them evaluate defined student processes and outcomes shown in student writings, oral and electronic presentations, and other portfolio offerings. In interdisciplinary schools, collaboration between curricula and…

A grade 6-12 Vancouver, Washington, magnet school blends arts education with interdisciplinary academics. To get in, students don't need talent or good grades, but a serious desire to study the arts. Academics are taught in the morning; afternoon arts classes are on three levels. Students are required to explore all the arts. Contains three…