A high-achieving district discovers some have been left behind, but teachers find a new way of working that helps more students succeed.

Examines how leadership development can be improved by encouraging leaders to engage in critical reflection. Discusses how students can enhance their leadership ability through evaluating the significance of their experiences from a leadership perspective; using critical reflection, students studying leadership can explore, question, and describe…

If a viable curriculum is what determines how well students achieve, no teacher can leave the school's curriculum unexamined. Designing curriculum means defining and organizing what is taught to improve student learning. Empowering teachers as curriculum designers gives them the tools to make critical decisions about what to teach, how to teach…

What teaching strategies must teachers of reading be able to perform and how are these strategies applied effectively in teaching children to read? This article attempts to answer these two important questions. One key element of a successful reading program focuses on the teacher. A brief review of the teacher effectiveness literature, including…

Explains the importance of listening to the learner and why it is probably the most active work any learner is called upon to do. Also provides suggestions for the student in how to become a better listener in the classroom and in the lecture hall. (GR)

The New York State Regents Action Plan dramatically changes educational reform initiatives by requiring districts to sign a written contract specifying criteria for program, performance and fiscal accountability. Districts are required at the end of the school year to provide a written explanation as to whether or not the goals were achieved. On…

Explores whether technology might transform teaching methods that could result in greater improvement in learning. Discusses how broader changes in society might influence the issue of technology integration versus technology transformation; suggests principles for a learning-focused paradigm of education; and considers the roles technology might…

Reports success stories from three communities that have changed to year-round education. Lists address of contact persons at the schools and of the National Association for Year-Round Education. (MLF)

Describes a study that examined whether students who completed a required MBA-level management skills course believed their skills improved, and whether the skills they were taught were those needed in the workplace. Discusses implications for structuring such skill courses and the need for further research into their efficacy. Includes 9 tables.…

Contrasting instructional approaches were used to introduce mathematical modeling to two sets of students with weak content skills and no prior modeling experience. One group was exposed to examples of models for a particular contextual problem; the other group was asked to construct their own model for the same situation. In less than three…

Under a state plan to turn around James Lick High School, a persistently failing school in San Jose, low-performing students in those grades will be put in intensive skills classes, leaving some of them little time to pursue science, social studies, physical education, and other core subjects. Students must take required state tests in science and…

"Teachers are leaders when they function in professional communities to affect student learning; contribute to school improvement; inspire excellence in practice; and empower stakeholders to participate in educational improvement" (Childs-Bowen, Moller, & Scrivner, 2000, p. 28). Enhancing teacher leadership can help schools and districts reach the…

For use by teachers, administrators, and counselors in working with rural secondary students who are ineligible for special services, the Unsatisfactory Grade Adjustment Plan (UGAP) is described as a conference tool for charting and pinpointing student behaviors leading to unsatisfactory grades. (JW)

Describes the program developed by the Study Skills Center at San Diego State University to help students improve their writing. (FL)

Several large-scale programs are known for having a substantial positive effect on student achievement. Although each program used different approaches, they have many common elements that worked in very different school districts that serve quite different populations. Provides thumbnail descriptions of five such programs. (MLF)