Describes a Cluster Plus plan that groups middle school students into two clusters on each grade level according to ability. This arrangement retains vertical organization into core curriculum areas (mathematics, social studies, English, and science), while allowing flexible regrouping through horizontal team teaching. (MLH)

Teachers can increase students' learning time by following specific instructional methods that maintain interest and develop the experience of success. Selection of realistic learning goals is essential. (CJH)

Comments on current efforts to evaluate and improve United States schools, especially the conclusions and recommendations of national education reports, tendencies in responding to them, and issues inadequately addressed by them. Both equity and excellence are important, it is suggested, and excellence may be achieved through challenge of familiar…

Answers teachers' hypothetical objections to computers in the classroom, especially their concerns about programing skills, time limitations, software, suitability, and proper usage. Compares future societal impact of computers to that of earlier technological advances like automobiles, telephones, and mass communication systems. (MLH)

Traditional school administrative policy often establishes the structure and organization of the school first; from this structure, the program and curriculum then follow. By contrast, a case study is offered of an educational change as support for the reverse sequence, whereby the school program can be the determiner of school organization. (CJH)

To help avoid past mistakes in attempts at curriculum and instructional improvement, this article offers five guidelines for secondary school curriculum change and innovation. (DCS)

A step-by-step process for changing curriculum, based on research by both the Ford and Danforth Foundations, stresses that administrators and teachers must work together to bring about meaningful change. (Author/MLF)

Describes a cross-disciplinary peer teaching program to improve high school teachers' writing skills. The 16-week program succeeded because of four main ingredients: administrative support, a long-term commitment to improving student writing, an onsite, inservice design, and incentives for teacher involvement. (MLH)

Describes some innovations found in large U.S. corporations' educational programs and discusses the relevance of these innovations for educational institutions. (MCG)

Middle-level teachers can avoid passive seatwork and encourage students to think using a "guided thinking" approach, designed to help adolescents develop more sophisticated thinking and reasoning skills. Essential elements of guided thinking are described, along with an implementation strategy and the principal's role in fostering…

Describes an innovative academic assistance program that provides tutoring services for high school students functioning below grade level. Students are referred to a Learning Center, where professional staff and assistants help them define their problems, make a general improvement plan, and gain self-confidence in a caring environment. (MLH)

Dicusses three education "anchors" weighing students down: adherence to print, overreliance on facts, and one-way transmission of information. Appropriate computer software can enliven a boring classroom by streamlining repetitive tasks (like revising and editing) and encouraging interactive construction of ideas. (MLH)

Through teleconferencing, every school has the potential to dramatically improve the educational opportunities for its students at minimum cost. A telephone with an attached speaker allows an entire room to converse with experts in an author interview, informational conference, or professional enrichment conference. (Author/DCS)

Argues that sweeping reform in the American secondary school is improbable, though conditions today make reform imperative. Describes the reforms that have endured, the barriers to change, and changes that can be effected with minimal structural adjustment. (Author/WD)

In 1984 the vocational studies department of a New Jersey high school transformed its industrial arts program into a technological studies department designed to prepare students for college and emerging job markets. A high technology laboratory with sophisticated energy, communications, computer, and video equipment was created to accompany this…