Stories of students in need, or of teachers who are struggling, draw readers into the process of solving classroom problems in a manner that traditional textbook formats are unable to match. Presented in an engaging and stimulating manner, this book provides beginning teachers a variety of typical classroom problems to analyze and solve. Solving…

Although early intervention programs have enjoyed popular and legislative support, little hard data exist on the long-term consequences of these efforts. This study examined the long-term effects of the Child-Parent Center (CPC) program in Chicago. Begun in 1967, the program operates out of 24 centers, located in proximity to the elementary…

Describes an experimental program at the University of Surrey (England) to show children that education can be enjoyable and is not necessarily the regimented, apprehensive affair from which many suffer. The existing teenage program was extended to include younger children and school-vacation day programs were added to the evening classes. (MF)

Considers the fact that despite increased class size and limited instructional resources the overall performance of students in geography in the United Kingdom has improved. This is attributed to changes in teaching, learning, and assessment methods. Small, workshop-based discussion seminars and active learning have replaced traditional lecture…

Identifies charisma and inspirational leadership as the most important characteristics of transformational leaders. Discusses how middle and secondary school music conductors can use the transformational leadership model. Summarizes key components of this model including positive modeling, sharing vision, and empowering others. Provides relevant…

Considers the dilemma of the instrumental specialist suddenly forced to take over general music class instruction. Advises keeping an open and flexible attitude while realistically appraising the situation. Provides a list of helpful tips and the comments of instrumentalists who found the experience to be a positive one. (MJP)

Describes the development and first-year implementation of a high school madrigal program. The effort has been a resounding success enjoying popular support from the community and providing a creative showcase for the students. Relates those works most popular with audiences and students and includes a list of madrigal resources. (MJP)

Examines students' initiations during teacher-led read-alouds of information books in an urban first-grade classroom. This process allows students multiple opportunities to share authority and direct the classroom's work and talk, thus allowing teachers to view them as knowledgeable, capable discussants speaking as experts about information books.…

A fifth-grade classroom teacher and a reading specialist changed the classroom structure from teacher-centered to student-centered, using flexible grouping, students' choice of literature, student journals, and student-driven discussion groups. They found that students' motivation and interest in reading improved over time. (SM)

Efforts at one high school to reconsider its practices of ability grouping and explore alternative assessment and grouping practices are described. Assessment of the schools' practices found that students in lower ability groups had a less stimulating curriculum, fewer positive role models, lower motivation, lower expectations for themselves, and…

This paper explores the myths surrounding the higher education of commuter students and investigates their needs and concerns. Today's college students include increasing numbers of adult, female, minority, and part-time students. Commuter students, i.e., those living off-campus, make up the largest and most diverse group. Many of these students…

This document consists of descriptions of 50 projects that were selected as examples of good practice in providing relevant initial and continuing vocational training to women throughout the European Community regardless of their legal status, employment status, and geographic location. The projects are grouped under six key words (motivation,…

A collaborative project between a Professional Development School (PDS) and a public school supported teachers' action research and initiated preservice teachers into action research. This paper describes one team's action research project in an inclusive high school classroom that shared the duties of teaching, assisting, modifying instruction,…

The Arlington (Virginia) Better Beginnings Coalition hired one full-time and one part-time employee to provide outreach services to out-of-school pregnant teens and teenage mothers. A career development specialist worked with outreach personnel and coordinated structured weekly prevocational training. Cooperating agencies identified 55 young women…

To create a supportive environment for the slow and reluctant learner teachers must solicit student responses, provide proximity, positively reinforce answers, provide time to respond, and give corrective feedback. This document describes inservice training designed to help teachers improve their ability to maintain a supportive learning…