Since 1956 the "Core Program" in the Omaha (Nebraska) Public School System has been a central part of the seventh through ninth grade curriculum. The program is interdisciplinary combining the teaching of language arts and social studies in blocks of two or three hours. These extended periods allow for the integration of academic…

America's economic future depends on the ability of educators to improve minority student retention and preparation. Demographic trends indicate that the economy will be dependent on the contributions of minority workers, who will comprise 60 percent of the labor force. Yet, school statistics indicate that 70 percent of Hispanic students and 28…