The Summer 2013 issue of "Voices in Urban Education" presents an interview with Dania Vazquez, founding principal of the Margarita Muñiz Academy, a Boston public high school offering dual-language education in Spanish and English. The first dual-language high school in Massachusetts, this Innovation School opened in the fall of 2012 with…

Five indicators of failure suggest mistakes in program design or delivery: aborted planning, insufficient enrollment, negative reactions, unattained objectives, and incomplete transfer of learning. Learning from these mistakes requires deliberate reflection and systematic analysis. (SK)

This article notes that art education is suffering in the current financial crisis because it is erroneously viewed as (1) fun and, therefore, not educational and (2) geared toward only the artistically talented. Listed are 12 components identified by a state supervisor as common to successful school art programs. (SJL)

Argues for small alternative schools as a method for dealing with disruptive, alienated youth. Outlines the basic ingredients necessary to the success of such a program. Specifically addresses six possible objections to these alternative schools for disaffected students. (SJL)

Describes the notion of second chances and its application to education. Presents a framework for evaluating second-chance programs based on accessibility and selection, adjustability of applicants, adjusted educational methods, productivity, accreditation, and acknowledgement. Examines possible illusions and rituals preventing a genuine second…

Reviews the current status of assessment programs in higher education, arguing that comprehensive assessment programs will increase the likelihood that minority college students will persist and graduate. Components and design of comprehensive assessment programs created for this purpose are described. Three recommendations for culturally…