Contrary to what many people assume, students with intellectual disabilities are capable of directing some aspects of their own lives. This author argues that if people are to create democratic classrooms, they must promote self-determination for all students. In this article, she discusses the significance of self-determination for students with…

Traces the history of moral education from the ethics-laden forties and fifties through the value-neutral sixties and seventies to the late eighties' focus on character, socialization, and culture. Offers a blueprint for future ethical instruction based on example, explanation, exhortation, environment, and experience. (MLH)

Presents the negative effects the classroom, as a way of structuring education, has on teachers and students, and suggests reorganizing the schools along the lines of research hospitals. (IRT)

Describes an alternative, relaxed, discipline system with four simple rules: (1) use mild consequences initially, (2) enforce rules without anger, (3) track each student infraction, and (4) reward frequently but unpredictably. (MD)

Challenges Wilbur Brookover's response to the author's article "It's Time We Changed the Effective Schools Formula" appearing in the November 1987 issue of "Kappan." The author's Pennsylvania studies show that certain variables such as classroom climate, emphasis on basic skills, and time-on-task were inconsequential in predicting a school's…

Juxtaposes two concepts--the deep structure of schooling (based on controlling students) and schools' distinct personalities--to examine problems involving change and resistance to change in American education. Schools' custodial role influences restrictive classroom design and discipline policies. Genuine school improvement must happen at a deep…

The author's personal experiences illustrate her comments on five factors that affect whether learning environments are positive or not. These factors involve student relationships with staff members, the clarity of disciplinary processes, justifications for rules, the presence of practices encouraging dishonesty, and respect for confidentiality…

Presents a set of principles to serve as guides for motivating students: inviting success, cooperative learning, high expectations, set induction, and interaction. Includes a scorecard for rating motivational skills. (MD)

Rather than shielding children from stress, parents and teachers should assist them in developing coping mechanisms that will enable them to adjust to the realities of life. This article offers guidelines for achieving that goal. (Author/WD)

This research indicates that educational organizations consist of a loose collection of individuals, units, or levels, each performing activities independently--as segmented units buffered from one another. The authors suggest ways administrators can be effective in this environment. (Author/IRT)

Explains the merits of "brain-compatible" learning, especially Proster Theory. Describes a pilot program at a New Jersey elementary school that transformed conventional, graded classrooms into "multi-teacher interactive learning units" that promote thinking in terms of programs and patterns. Summarizes pedagogical changes and…

Reviews research on classroom management, focusing on behavior modification, group management, teacher effects, management training, and planning. Five types of management skills and six principles for effective classroom organization identified by researchers are suggested for application by teachers. (PGD)

Proposes improving teacher education by reducing the number of teacher training programs, requiring graduate study for certification, raising admission and subject matter requirements, increasing funding, and creating better institutional climates including stronger links between research and practice. Briefly reviews several national reports'…

Describes the work of an elected team of junior high school teachers that helps frustrated colleagues resolve classroom management problems. (MCG)

Tackles the "floundering period" between high school graduation and noncollege-bound students' first career-entry job. Blames age, an unfavorable labor market, and disjunctions between the labor market and the school system. Describes West Germany's system of apprenticeship and part-time schooling and advocates exploiting experiential…