Argues that the tradition culminating in Jencks work is better seen as policy research than as an answer to the sociological problem of the effects of schools on students. A tradition of radical criticism of schools is more ideological but offers an implicit theory of the effects of schooling that is of great sociological interest. (Author/AM)

There is a considerable amount of research documenting the effects of noise on children. The effects are largely negative. Chronic exposure to noise has been shown to be harmful to children of various ages. It can have especially detrimental effects on younger children when language and discrimination skills are forming. Sometimes major noise…

The beginning of a new year is a crucial time for both students and teachers alike. What a teacher does to establish an effective classroom management system and create an environment that supports learning will influence what students accomplish throughout the year. Learning cannot take place in chaos, but well-managed classrooms do not just…

The legal requirement that special needs students have access to a balanced and broadly based curriculum carries implications for accommodation in special schools. This document offers advice and guidance on the provision of accommodation which takes account of the special educational needs of the pupils, and also explains those factors relating…

Described is a program for 110 multiply handicapped (deaf and emotionally disturbed) children between the ages of 5 and 18 years which utilizes behavior modification strategies. (DB)

Discusses the organization of communication in the class in order to facilitate student interaction and the part played by classroom seating arrangements. (Author/RK)

Discusses the freedom students find in the open classroom. (RK)

Describes the Jenkins Elementary School which not only serves as a neighborhood elementary education facility, but also provides students at Millersville State College, Pennsylvania, an opportunity to learn, work with, and observe the many different concepts embodied in open education. (Author/MB)

Article concerns a variety of training suggestions intended to stimulate student involvement in the learning process. (RK)

Describes a classroom innovation: truncated octahedrons, individually constructed honeycomb" cubicles designed to house one student each. (EA)

Ways in which elementary school teachers turned spaces into environments conducive to learning are described. Included are: (1) student offices; (2) seldom-used stairwells; (3) reading lofts; (4) a "fort" learning center; and (5) a garden spot for quiet study. Ideas for classroom storage are also presented. (CJ)

Over 30 activities for elementary school classes during the first week of school are described. Ideas are included for a first day checklist, correct pronunciation of names, getting acquainted games, and classroom organization hints. (CJ)