This paper reviews the literature on educational reform, especially in relation to special education and students with disabilities. It reviews 10 reports published since 1983 that identified issues in educational reform. Observations include: regular education reformers have not adequately addressed the issues of students with disabilities;…

This paper examines the current status of U.S. children's mental health and its impact on children's ability to learn. It notes the incidence of mental disorders in children, risk factors predisposing children to mental disorders, and symptoms of children with serious emotional disturbances. It explores the school-based and community-based…

The opinions and experiences reflected in this report are those of exceptional teachers chosen in a national competition, "Thanks to Teachers," sponsored by Apple Computer, Inc., the National Foundation for the Improvement of Education, the National Alliance of Business, and Group W Television. The report is divided into four sections: (1) the…

The topics of the 17 papers included in this proceedings are: (1) enriching and empowering young children's learning with microcomputers; (2) a program designed to make all students computer literate who complete the eighth grade in Tennessee schools; (3) how school systems should purchase microcomputers; (4) a team approach to microcomputer…

Studies of causal attributions among elementary school children and their mothers in Japan and in the United States indicate that the Japanese are more likely to cite effort as the primary cause of school achievement. In the United States, ability is more frequently selected as a key factor. The characteristics of Japanese mother-child interaction…

Sex differences in school learning are examined with a focus on how the variable of gender affects the teaching, learning, development, and behavior of children. The initial entries in this collection of articles focus on reading: the reading interests of girls and boys, sex bias and stereotyping in reading tests, and the influence of gender,…

Based on the experiences of a participant observer (weekly playground volunteer) over the course of one school year, this paper recounts the experiences of first through third graders during recess and discusses the importance of outdoor play for providing children an opportunity to speak and act unfettered by adult expectations, thereby promoting…

Discusses major causes of home and school violence, and ways federal and state legislation, communities, and schools can work to reduce such violence. (BB)

Reviews Maslow's hierarchy of needs and characterization of the self-actualizing personality, suggesting that since few people meet his self-actualization criteria, an educational system designed to produce such personalities may fail, with teachers attending only to the hierarchy's lower stages (self-esteem and self-actualization) which dilutes…

Argues that schools need to provide greater diversity of services to children, thus strengthening academic achievement. Case studies are highlighted, indicating that schools need to create a foundation for personal growth and achievement that includes services not only for the children but for their families and communities. Recommendations for…

In an effort to prevent substance use and abuse by children and adolescents, the California Drug, Alcohol, and Tobacco Education (DATE) Program was initiated in 1991. This report evaluates the program from perspectives of school district personnel, and students, generating an explanation of the "whats" and "hows" of drug…

Drastic social problems challenge teachers looking to increase parental involvement in schools. Traditional strategies to involve parents, such as inviting parents to meetings and school events, do not promote genuine interaction between home and school. Instead, they separate parents and teachers. Two-way communication between home and school is…

This essay discusses multicultural education in the context of responding to an article in a national magazine, which critiqued multicultural education. This essay argues that the article, "School Daze" (Louis Menand) in "Harper's Bazaar" magazine in September, 1992, oversimplifies and misrepresents key issues of multicultural…

Despite a growing trend toward retention in grade of low-achieving students and apparent public support for the practice, many educators and psychologists disagree with the perception that flunking is an appropriate response to poor academic performance. Research reported in the past two decades indicates that grade-level retention produces little…

As more and more middle school students come to the classroom with no real, stable connections outside the school setting, it is increasingly important for educators to reach out to them in a variety of ways. This paper addresses that need by offering educators suggestions in the following five areas: (1) comprehending the unique characteristics…