Noting the nation's renewed attention to remedying school segregation, "Segregation, Race, and Charter Schools" presents evidence about the extent of school segregation and its relationship with improving student achievement for students of color. The report argues that school segregation has remained flat for decades and also argues…

The middle school years are among the most formidable, as students transition from youth to adulthood. Self-esteem, consequently, is a significant attribute in developing the strong character necessary to successfully navigate middle school. Because a student's grades can influence how the student feels about his or her ability to learn, teachers…

The delivered curriculum, or the curriculum the students actually experience has always been a function of teacher decision making. Since the inception of high stakes accountability, the curricula to which students are exposed have become a focal point of school reform efforts. This article argues that the null curriculum is expanding in ways that…

This article discusses the factors required to be a part of each school's student progress policy. The author also examines numerous options and potential pitfalls of various decisions made in developing this policy. The two major components of satisfactory progress regulations--quality and quantity--are explored in detail. (CT)

Argues that a school or district's ability to create effective learning conditions depends in large part on the extent to which policies exist to ensure that certain crucial principles are followed. Lists and discusses six policies to be considered by educators attempting to improve the quality of their programs. (FL)

Reflects on the development of secondary school standards and their alleged decline as evidenced by declining college admission test scores. Reviews recent educational research which suggests that teachers and school officials need to have higher expectations of students if they are to learn effectively. (APM)

According to national statistics on death rates, criminal behavior, and other indicators, the well-being of White adolescents has declined markedly between 1960 and 1980, despite certain improvements in families, schools, and youth programs. American culture seems geared to a selfish individualism inconsistent with maintaining strong families and…

Increased pressure is facing many administrators today for teachers to assign more homework to students. Recent research is reviewed that correlates homework positively with student achievement, and the need for a homework policy in school districts is emphasized. (TE)

Academic press constitutes the schoolwide environmental forces pressing for student achievement, including school policies, practices, expectations, norms, and rewards. This article shows how academic press is created and how high expectations are communicated to students. (Author/JM)

Criticizes the report "Public and Private Schools" by Coleman, Hoffer, and Kilgore for failing to consider alternative explanations of school effectiveness and for drawing narrow policy implications. Student body composition and school admissions practices need to be considered in evaluating educational policy alternatives. (RM)

The authors suggest that the recess period serves a positive purpose in the primary school curriculum, counter to the current practice of minimizing recess in many schools across North America and the United Kingdom. The authors' position is embedded in the larger debate about school accountability; they argue that school policy should be based on…

This book examines the reactions of schools in Massachusetts and California to policies that sought to persuade schools to abandon or reduce tracking--the practice of grouping students into classes by ability and organizing curriculum by level of difficulty. The text is divided into 8 chapters: (1) "Implementing Tracking Reform," which…

This paper reviews the literature which examines school policies currently guiding educational practice in the area of student substance abuse and discusses the relationship between special education and substance-using and substance-abusing students. Reviewed are: (1) definitions of substance abuse, which vary with the conceptualization of the…

In an effort to support the contention that the levels of student achievement and discipline depend more on administrative style and school ethos than on inner city location and/or social class, race, or IQ of students, an investigation was conducted of a single midwestern urban high school. The procedure consisted of observation and interviews of…

Argues that current grading practices in some schools lack consistency in several critical areas, including criteria for failure, absolute or relative standards, and motivation of slower students. Policies are suggested that will help educators develop fairer and more humane marking systems. (TE)