Shares suggestions for the school improvement process derived from the experiences of the North Central Association Commission on Schools' efforts to assist member schools with their improvement efforts. Includes topics such as assessment instruments, leadership roles, cooperation among faculty, committees, and peer assistance. (AJL)

Points out the following problems with standardized testing and reforms at the middle school level: (1) misalignment of test-based reforms and standards-based reforms; (2) geographic disadvantages; and (3) disadvantages for learning disabled. Presents example of two students' standardized test scores as illustrations of the non-alignment problem.…

Examines the charter school approach in educational reform, discusses where it needs improvement and what state policy action may be needed in start-up, and presents some key recommendations. The nature of charter schools, their general purpose, composition, benefits, and problems also are examined. (GR)

Provides one teacher's personal account of an ongoing learning process in a sixth-grade classroom, and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of allowing for diverse interpretations, perspectives, and points of view designed to aid student learning. The dynamic relationship between student initiative and unpredictability that can result in…

Addresses the crucial role of families in helping students learn, arguing that the success of schooling depends on the contributions of the home and school/home collaborations. Ways to better understand the everyday lives of children living in poverty are illustrated to help schools increase learning opportunities for all children, even when…

Examines the notion that schools should help foster students' self-esteem and discusses whether this notion helps students meet high academic and disciplinary standards or actually hinders their efforts. It is argued that attention to self-esteem will only excessively expand egos at the expense of the self-critical struggle that is necessary for…

The basic premise of the paper is that the Constitution should be the main theme of courses in United States history at grade 8. Students should study a unit on the Constitution, as is commonly done at that level. In addition, other units taught throughout the school year should emphasize constitutional principles, values, and issues. Three…

Shows how basic writing students' knowledge of how to use the computer to produce new, revised drafts of their essays in approximately an hour led to their productive use of word processing. (EL)

Reviews a project in which first-grade children learned to write and became confident, fluent, and enthusiastic writers. Contains examples of their writing. (FL)

Students can avoid poor choices if educators teach them to stop and ask themselves, "Is this the right thing to do?" To be effective, schools must create a climate of high expectations, not only in terms of academic performance, but also to elevate the levels of students' decision-making processes. Educators can do this through coaching, modeling,…

Asserts that in addition to providing safe places where students can develop a sense of belonging, after-school programs can enhance performance in the regular academic program of middle school students. Specifically reviews current research on the impact of after-school programs on academic achievement, work habits, interpersonal skills, and…

Discusses the importance of teacher development in achieving fundamental school change, and argues that such change occurs best when teachers collaborate to raise student achievement levels. The article provides an account of the frustrations and successes of teachers in a Rhode Island reform effort. (GR)

Discusses how study teams at one Texas elementary school function in helping the individual student, and provides an evaluation of this approach based on three examples: (1) the case study team; (2) the reading study team; and (3) the quality of life team. Lessons learned from this approach are explored. (GR)

Describes the development of an educational community that was created for assisting alienated high school students. The article describes how the teachers and school administration moved through the conception, design, planning, and implementation phases of the study-team process. Concluding comments highlight how the program helped marginalized…

In physical education classes at the secondary school level, objective, sex-fair evaluation is necessary to help each student develop to his or her fullest capacity. Student performance assessment must take into account the physiological differences between males and females after the onset of puberty. Within each sex there is a broad range of…