Argues that teaching is both art and science, but that it is possible to evaluate effectiveness empirically. Discusses common research problems, including the large number of variables that can affect successful teaching; the validity of measurement instruments; and the relevance of research to actual classroom practices. (KH)

Drawing upon data from teacher surveys, explores reasons that individuals decide to become teachers. Reviews the advantages and disadvantages of the profession and discusses job satisfaction, coping strategies, stress, and burnout among teachers. (GC)

Professional weaknesses such as failure to gain school board support or respect can cause superintendents to lose their jobs. By combining strong leadership with effective management, a superintendent can shape organizational structures and processes to produce specific results while inspiring and motivating people toward a definite vision. (MLH)

Often, implementation has not been considered a crucial stage in the curriculum planning process. Successful curriculum implementation, regardless of its design, rests upon delineating at the outset of the development process the stages necessary for implementation. (Author)

According to a recent nationwide survey of major U.S. school systems, 50 responding districts experienced a total net loss of 1,380 students between 1980-1987, but had a net loss of 218 schools. This article examines economic and other factors driving student enrollment trends and shows which districts closed and opened the most schools between…

Discusses several issues associated with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) in the education community. Describes three approaches for dealing with AIDS in the school district. Asserts that students must be educated about AIDS, since a large number of youths will become susceptible to acquiring the disease. (MM)

Discusses essential learning techniques (homework, studying, and notetaking) that students need to facilitate their own learning and improve their academic performance. Teachers can help students develop these skills by defining specific skills, selecting a few examples to illustrate them, critiquing or correcting imperfect examples, providing…

Notes that current research does not provide conclusive evidence about the influence a teacher has on student performance or behavior. (FL)

Reports on the size and ethnic composition of 66 public school Boards of Education school systems enrolling 50,000 or more students. Presents information on the number of minorities and women on these boards and the occupations of board members. (APM)

To implement curriculum changes successfully, five guidelines should be followed: changes should be research-based; successful innovation requires organizational changes; innovations must be feasible for the average teacher; implementation efforts must be organic, not bureaucratic; and a definite curriculum plan is essential. Guidelines for…

Increasing insulation in schools as an energy-saving measure has given rise to the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), which afflicts roughly one-third of the nation's schools. This article examines asbestos, radon, electromagnetic radiation, and chemical pollutants and describes steps to make schools environmentally safe for students. School officials…

International studies may be underestimating U.S. math and science performance in relation to other countries. Such studies may be comparing U.S. students with more elite groups of students elsewhere. Lower performance may result from cultural differences and lower U.S. education expenditures. Substantive improvement depends on increased planning…

Six computer applications in education are word processing, computer-assisted instruction, computer-aided design, computer authoring systems, computer data systems, and computer storage. Computers may assist students with three learning stages: acquisition, transformation, and evaluation of information. Advances in computer programing, software,…

Recent state reform waves can be classified into three packages (academic standards, professional policy, and curriculum development) stressing productivity, efficiency, and educational excellence. Following a historical overview, this article discusses implementation models and strategies, lessons learned, state-local school district…

Outlines and discusses some of the major trends affecting schools and society which are likely to alter the educational aims in the 1980s. (MP)