Colleges must not admit all who apply in order to find the talented tenth by the process of elimination. What is wanted are students with potential who can progress by their own merit alone or with help. (Author)

Implementing recommendations derived from research and literature on school effectiveness, 20 Milwaukee (Wisconsin) schools have set and enforced standards that reflect their belief in their students' ability to achieve. (Author/JM)

The United States no longer has the best educated workforce in the world. To maintain its current standard of living and successfully compete in the global economy, the country needs to overhaul an antiquated education system that is not geared to produce the graduates it needs. In a new report, Tough Choices or Tough Times, the New Commission on…

A study shows that in classrooms where teachers are simultaneously considerate and less structured, success of the disadvantaged student is the rule. (Author/MLF)

Asserts that opponent's predictions that school choice would result in mass exodus of students and a disparate impact on public schools have failed to materialize. Argues that disadvantaged students, especially blacks, in inner-city schools are the principal beneficiaries of voucher programs. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

Recognizing that achievement gaps start early, policymakers at the state and federal level have focused attention on reading readiness for low-income and minority preschool children. Neuman argues that the focus of many preschool programs--building such basic literacy skills as letter recognition and decoding--misses the mark. What economically…

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)

Title I may have fallen short of its lofty goals, but it is an effective basic skills program for underachieving students. Its successes depend on requirements that the program supplement the regular learning program, evaluate pupil progress, be coordinated with other school activities, and involve parents. (Author/JM)

High school teachers often have difficulty motivating struggling students to complete homework--especially in inner-city schools in which many students are discouraged by stressful living conditions. The authors consulted with successful urban educators who were involved with innovative, small high schools in New York City, and asked what…

During summers and on Saturdays, 200 motivated academically and culturally disadvantaged Negro 15- and 16-year-olds participated in Project Enrichment, undertaken at Jackson State College in Mississippi from 1961 to 1964. The students were encouraged to achieve and to participate in intellectual and social activities to change the ill effects of…

Challenges common conceptions about disadvantaged learners, curriculum challenge and sequence, teacher role, the relationship of classroom management to academic work, and ability grouping arrangements. By striking a balance between teacher direction and learner responsibility, students' capacity for self-regulated learning increases over time.…

Reviews recent research on school effectiveness to identify the behaviors of effective principals. Maintains that effective principals emphasize achievement, set instructional strategies, provide an orderly atmosphere, frequently evaluate student progress, coordinate instructional programs, and support teachers. (Author/JM)

Historically ranked low on student performance, the New Orleans schools are fighting back with a new program called the Secondary Curriculum Improvement Program. (Author/JM)

The Improving America's School Act funds numerous small programs that dissipate its purpose and increase its vulnerability. Congress is debating extension of federal roles into areas such as social promotion, parental rights, reading programs, class-size reduction, and national voluntary tests. Changing budget rules pits education against military…

Integrating the arts into daily instruction can enhance at-risk students' learning of academic subjects. To overcome learning barriers, students need a talent or skill (like role playing) that takes them to a new environment, and they need a dedicated mentor to provide emotional support while they are still learning. (MLH)