A panel of eight educators responds to the National Commission on Excellence in Education's recommendations that all students be required to take four years of English; three years of mathematics, science, and social studies; and one-half year of computer science. (MLF)

By comparing how students performed before and after a schoolwide writing program, a California middle school with a low-scoring reputation discovered that it ranked second in the district in steady student improvement. Effects of reporting the school's value-added results were overwhelmingly positive. Staff and students were finally recognized…

The Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act (1987) provides considerable protection for homeless children's educational needs. States cannot create a separate education system for these kids, and must revise all restrictive policies, laws, and regulations. Educators should work to facilitate schooling continuity, minimize enrollment delays,…

The most important feature of Milwaukee, Wisconsin's proposed controlled choice plan was its insistence on improving all schools and treating all students equally. Lacking community support, student reassignment was shelved pending specific school improvements. Newly passed state legislation permits private school vouchers for 980 students, a…

Argues that vouchers do not improve student achievement, hurt public schools, exclude many students, go to students who do not need them, and decrease accountability. Reform efforts should be directed to turning around failing public schools. (Contains 29 references.) (PKP)

More than 20 years ago, A Nation At Risk warned that "a rising tide of mediocrity" threatened the U.S. education system and that the United States would be unable to effectively compete with other economies because of a scarcity of graduates in science and technology. In 2001, No Child Left Behind reiterated that message, pushing through…

The Marzano thinking skills model (emphasizing learning preparation, content thinking, and basic reasoning skills) will enhance learning opportunities for students whom the present system overlooks or labels unteachable. Schools can restructure teaching and evaluation methods to educate all young people for a successful future in the information…

Our concern is related to the matter of providing an education for all children which is commensurate with the ability and interests of those children within the framework in which they live, regardless of ethnic background. (Author)

For women, improvements have been made in high school athletics and interscholastic sports and in enrollment and graduation rates through college. Disparities continue to exist in the nontraditional vocational education courses; physical sciences; in graduate degrees awarded, particularly in the sciences; and in extracurricular participation in…

Some causes of the low proportion of females in educational administration are: personal and social roles; personal and family constraints; and discriminatory patterns in training, hiring, and promotion. (Author/MLF)

A state-subsidized system allowing low-income families to choose private schooling could fulfill the nation's democratic aspirations. All parents would be empowered to make the kinds of choices enjoyed by wealthier families. The quality and efficiency of education could then approach the levels achieved by other nations. Includes four references.…

As the United States grows more ethnically diverse, traditional school-integration tools are becoming less potent. Restoration of Horace Mann's common school represents the single best way to promote equal educational opportunity. Controlled public-school choice (via specialty schools) is the best way to achieve socioeconomic integration.…

Although those charged with developing learning standards for Maine students have tried to be inclusive, there are some likely challenges ahead. Planners need to include the views of less educated, less successful, or very conservative persons; reach consensus on defining the basics; resolve equity versus excellence issues; and incorporate…

Although differentiated learning for high-ability students in heterogeneous classrooms is as important as for other children, gifted students' needs are frequently overlooked. Instead of offering extra credit, teachers should compact the curriculum, design alternative learning experiences, allow differentiated pacing, and agree on expectations.…

Annandale High School, Virginia, has come up with an International Baccalaureate (IB) program for high-achieving students, which also provides essential support for diverse students. The IB program is just one facet of a school culture at Annandale High that aims to increase opportunities for all students.