Outlines the compensation and perquisites provided board members in Houston, Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington, D.C. (IRT)

Describes urban school districts' efforts to improve student learning by addressing the social, emotional, and physical needs of their students. (PKP)

Discusses origin of the public's perception of the failure of urban education, the media's role in perpetuating that perception, and some ways urban school districts can change that perception. (PKP)

Argues that the biggest obstacle to urban education reform is the unwillingness of educators to discuss the impact of increased racial and ethnic segregation on student achievement. Poverty is discussed, but not race. (PKP)

A program to introduce inner-city students to the fundamentals of French cooking has spread to more than 100 schools in 6 cities. The program awarded $400,000 in scholarships nationwide this year. Highlights a cooking competition of 10 juniors and seniors from the District of Columbia public schools. (MLF)

Discusses the New Orleans Center of Science & Mathematics, an alternative high school with an activity-based curriculum specializing exclusively in mathematics and science courses for inner-city students. (PKP)

Discusses the results of a survey of Chicago teachers. (IRT)

Information about the 398 men and women who shape the educational destiny of 7.3 million students in the urban elementary and high schools of the country. (Author)

A vignette about a reading program operated by Sylvan Learning Systems for seventh- and eighth-grade remedial reading students at a school in Washington, D.C. (MLF)

The rapid turnover in urban superintendencies reflects changes in big-city school boards that are increasingly characterized as political rather than as public service positions. In addition, the expectation that urban superintendents should find solutions for complex issues and the urban boards' desire for a person of color have resulted in fewer…

To attract the best available superintendent candidates boards should (1) sell the advantages of the district; (2) define expectations early; (3) spell out working relationships; (4) develop compensation guidelines early; (5) consider developing leaders and alternative prospects; (6) maintain strict confidentiality; and (7) make the final…

Reviews seven books that concern some of the tough issues in schools such as violence, racial bias, and poverty. Suggests that school board members who read these books can have a firsthand look into the lives of students, teachers, parents, and school executives. Information on ordering the books is provided. (MLF)

Philadelphia's public schools and local businesses have jointly sponsored job training academies for "high risk" inner city high school students since the late 1960s. Career-focused and committed, the program has expanded successfully. (CJH)

The growing field of profit-making public-school management represents a way to begin school reform and save money. Educational Alternatives, Inc. has an agreement to manage eight elementary schools and one middle school in Baltimore, Maryland; and Whittle Communications, Inc. plans to seek contracts to manage existing public school programs. (MLF)