This viewpoint examines girls' performance in primary education in the countries that joined the Education for All Fast Track Initiative between 2002 and 2008. At the time they joined the initiative, a first group of countries (high performers) had already achieved high and equal enrollment of girls and boys. Significant progress is evident in a…

The educational approach views the community of practice as a community of teachers and students who share common rules and values, information and experiences through dialogue and collaboration. Three doctoral theses are in progress at the University of Athens which study the possibilities of creating a community of practice in three different…

Critical milestones in the university facilitation of meaningful school reform in schools serving at-risk students--schoolwide assessment, cadre-based planning, and pilot testing of new strategies--are examined in this paper. A training and facilitation mechanism developed by the University of New Orleans' (UNO) Louisiana Accelerated Schools…

Argues that comprehensive arts education includes multiple art forms learning, skills development, critical analysis, historic context, and expression opportunities. Its future may be in partnerships between arts educators and arts institutions. Examines past and current partnership successes and concludes that partnerships can ensure future…

Improvement of K-12 teaching requires an integrated, collaborative effort between schools and faculty from arts and sciences and from education. Implementation strategies are discussed; including establishment of selected professional/clinical schools as sites for student teaching, and creation of interdisciplinary courses by a partnership of…

Suggests that (1) classroom analysis of good children's literature can facilitate effective problem-solving skills; and (2) consideration of the metamessage of cooperation as well as the individualistic perspective in such analyses is worth the time and effort. Notes that there are award-winning books that speak to the consequences of both…

Describes how a brand new Massachusetts elementary principal enlisted teacher cooperation to establish learning priorities for the school, as directed by the superintendent. Beginning with a needs assessment and construction of a school mission, the planning team then developed a set of specific educational goals. Newly learned collaborative…

Notes that because teachers and researchers operate in different professional communities, teachers may have different views about the usefulness of research findings for the classroom. Argues that deliberation between teachers and researchers allows teachers control over the interpretation of findings and gives researchers new perspectives and…

Offers an overview of what it means to educate for a democratic life in the elementary school. Discusses three guiding questions: How can educators work together so that everyone benefits?; What is already known about the democratic process and what else should educators find out?; and Is everyone included in trying to solve this problem? (SR)

Reviews previous reform efforts in the history of mathematics education. Argues for a rethinking of the "one teacher, one classroom" model of education and favors two teachers, one with science/mathematics and the other with humanities/language arts training, for a group of 40-50 students working cooperatively. (Author/MM)

Describes spirituality as occurring when one invests energy in goals beyond the self. Summarizes research on cooperation and challenge and self satisfaction during high school and college. Identifies components of Montessori education contributing to spiritual development, and asserts that educators need to help children develop goals beyond…

Developing a community of people interested in improving student reading achievement is an ongoing trend in education. Time and effort need to be put forth to become engaged in studying and promoting reading achievement. With high stakes state-mandated testing, it becomes even more important for teachers, school administrators, and the lay public…

Reviews the three basic principles of the Dewey School: social occupations curriculum, cooperative social effort, and principles of growth. (Author/DB)

Suggests that since experts differ in their interpretation of reading, it is essential to establish a common concept of reading that involves the notions of independence, understanding, utilization, appreciation, and enjoyment in order to have fruitful discussions of reading progress between parents and teachers. (AEA)

Discusses ways to promote an open, dynamic relationship between teachers and parents of exceptional children. (JMB)