Responses from a national survey (Education in the Middle Grades) from 1,753 principals in schools teaching grade 7 highlight the effects of the following practices believed to be responsive to adolescent needs: (1) interdisciplinary teacher teams; (2) group advisory periods; (3) remedial instruction programs; and (4) school transition programs.…

Reviews research on ability grouping, focusing on policies and practices that result in placing students in groups that are more or less homogeneous with respect to academic performance. It is concluded that ability grouping is ineffective at best and harmful to many students. It inhibits development of interracial respect. (SLD)

This feature article examines changes needed in special education personnel preparation (such as increasing the supply of qualified personnel). Strategies for meeting these needs are discussed, including methods of using best practices and innovative training methods. An Outcomes-Based Teacher Education model (with proposed knowledge and skill…

The influence of mathematics-specific teaching practices on class-level mathematics achievement was studied using Second International Mathematics Study data for 236 eighth-grade classes (approximately 7,000 students). Links between class characteristics and teaching practices are explored. High socioeconomic status and high-ability students…

Two vignettes illustrate the new roles and responsibilities of primary grade and high school teachers under the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). Effects of the KERA on the changing needs and roles of teachers engaged in systemic reform are discussed. Classroom practice is becoming more activity centered. (SLD)

Explores why community services learning (CSL) is the right thing to do for professional renewal, enrichment, and meaning. Examples are given from Gig Harbor High School (Washington). The role of CSL in changing school cultures is also examined. Service learning is a path to better ways to educate. (SLD)

Examines how educational theory translates into classroom practice. Students in a graduate course learned about educational theory by creating a hypermedia chapter for a Web-based book. Findings indicated: most students were highly satisfied with the course; some transferred learning; and students developed skills and knowledge with instructional…

Focuses on technology and the future of higher education. Discusses how technology is forcing change on the roles and models of education; content versus the learner; the role of faculty; and accreditation and value of courses. (AEF)

The "new ruthless economy of globalization" has spawned a culture of performance in education characterized by increased demand for accountability through high stakes testing, and decreased funding. Effects include loss of teacher autonomy, focus on teaching to the test, proliferation of commercial cramming schools, increased external…

Focuses on a low-performing school district to review the problems of school reform and accountability, and to reveal the set of prevailing conditions and themes that make change more complicated. It is argued that the politics of race, poverty, the vacuums in communication and leadership, and the uncritical mass of human resources dramatically…

A discussion of why Asian students rank high on international assessment tests in science and mathematics reveals that Asian schools stress rote memorization and test taking to the extent that children don't have the opportunity to be children. The U.S. educational system's encouragement of critical thinking and nonacademic activities contributes…

Describes the implementation of a humanities program in the context of a developing Erdkinder program in a Montessori secondary school set on a farm. Describes the curricular approach for the developing Erdkinder learning community in the first 3 years. Discusses adolescents' need to dramatize, fictionalize, and role-play to connect with other…

Explores whether the outcomes of Catholic school students exceed those of public school students by comparing the math test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress test for black children in public and Catholic schools in Washington D.C. Finds that D.C. Catholic school students do better even after adjusting for standard…

Asserts that institutional planning for workforce development programs should be based on serving four major workforce segments: emerging workers, transitional workers, entrepreneurs, and incumbent workers. Suggests that a typical college be divided into four components to deal with these different workers and their differing educational and…

A study of 140 first- and second-grade classrooms and 1,925 students in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Ceara examined teaching practices and teacher behaviors in the classroom and their effects on students' early literacy achievement, as well as the influences of student, home, teacher, and school characteristics on literacy scores. (SV)