Notes that students with a history of failure may be hampered by feelings of incompetence and diminished expectations. States that teachers using responsive instruction become attuned to these perceptions and encourage students to regain control of the problem-solving process. Notes that to succeed, teachers must propose certain goals and…

Teachers successful at reaching low-achieving students combine a high sense of their own efficacy with high, realistic expectations for student achievement. "Helpless" students may be assisted by "links" to success such as proximal goals, appropriate learning strategies, successful experience, and attribution of success to personal efforts.…

To break the cycle of alienation experienced by students and teachers in urban schools, we must accompany calls for order and high expectations with respect and relevance for students and professionalism for teachers. (Author/TE)

In 1994, the Institute for Responsive Education launched the Responsive Schools Project (involving 14 schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico; Flambeau, Wisconsin; Harts, West Virginia; and Chicago) to ask parents, teachers, administrators, and high-school students about educational reform goals. Respondents' divergent viewpoints underscore the…

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.…

Students participating in Need in Deed's "My Voice" program perform community service while engaging in a self-discovery process. Exercises focus on what kids care about, what they would like to change, and five social issues they would like to study and report on to others. (MLH)

The authors argue that increased focus and pressure for high academic achievement, particularly among more highly-motivated and successful students, may have serious negative consequences. They present a number of strategies designed to help reduce both causes and consequences associated with academic stress and improve students' mental and…

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…

With 70 percent of its student body entering school reading below grade level, Blackstone Academy Charter School realized that teachers needed to make literacy a pillar of the school's culture. This 9-12 urban high school administers a reading evaluation developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association each fall and spring to all incoming…

Japan's achievements are the results of an outstanding educational system that emphasizes quality of instruction, gives priority to children's learning, and rewards hard work. (Author)

In 1994, the Glenview (Illinois) Public Schools created three technology-rich educational environments (TREEs) that use alternative teaching and learning methods through networked communication technologies. Each setting consists of three teachers and about 75 heterogeneously grouped students (ages 9-12) who work collaboratively to solve problems…

A San Diego English/journalism teacher is using technology to explore the writing process, increase student motivation, and present new material for classroom discussion. She spends more time as learning facilitator than all-knowing expert. With the help of hypermedia tools, her inner-city high school students are telling their own stories,…

Describes a New York City high school's experience with Outward Bound, a cooperatively funded experiential learning program. Rock climbing was used to teach youngsters how to deal with the metaphorical walls facing everyone. The program's success (a 90% graduation rate) depended on faculty commitment, administrative support, motivated student…

When students help teach one another, active learning, listening, and a spirit of cooperation flourish. A reciprocal tutoring program in three New York City high schools allows all students to be tutors and learn through teaching and has all tutors experience the tutee/apprentice role. This experimental program had better achievement results than…

A 1996 study attributed adolescent remedial readers' low comprehension to poor motivation, lack of experience, and egocentricity. Secondary teachers can help by connecting reading assignments to real-world learning experiences, providing self-directed activities, and inviting collaborative learning and varied self-expression. A San Diego program…