Describes lively and attractive learning environment in halls, classrooms, playground, and even rest rooms of an Ohio elementary school on kindergarten assessment day. School's equally lively principal, a former classroom teacher, is seldom in her office, preferring to mix with teachers and students. Books are everywhere, and children with…

Describes results of survey of Ohio certified-teacher attitudes toward state education policy, classroom climate, and high-stakes testing. Found a large majority of teachers expressed strong dissatisfaction with educational policy, its impact on classroom climate, and the use of high-stakes testing. (11 references) (PKP)

Education reformers have increasingly invested in developing collaborative communities within schools as a central strategy for improving teaching and student learning. This strategy comes in various guises, including small schools, small learning communities, and teacher teams. Several assumptions about how these communities will enhance…