Joseph Mahoney, Joseph Durlak, and Roger Weissberg compare results from four large-scale meta-analyses of student outcomes related to participation in universal, school-based social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. Their examination includes 356 research reports with rigorous designs and outcome data at post or follow-up from hundreds of…

School counselors play a key role in promoting students' academic achievement, social and emotional development, and college and career readiness. The author reviews the research on counselors' work in these areas and discusses how schools can ensure that their counselors are better able to succeed in supporting students.

Analyzes 13 different recently published research-based lists of the characteristics of effective professional development. Finds little agreement on criteria for "effectiveness," equivocating statements, and oversimplification. Calls for reaching agreement on "effectiveness" and providing clear descriptions of important contextual elements of…

Details the most important curriculum movements--which can be generally classified under the two headings of subject-centered curriculum and student-centered curriculum--their adherents, and their rationales. (Author/WD)

Provides assessment-driven, six-stage professional development model that links adult-learning goals with student-learning outcomes. (PKP)

A review of several well-known studies of schooling suggests that schools--and their principals--can indeed make a difference. The authors suggest four keys to improving the training and practice of the building principal. (Author)

Provides some history of the teaching of composition as well as a discussion of the new developments in the composition curriculum and in teaching techniques. Argues that the new emphasis on writing is a genuine renaissance rather than merely a fad. (IRT)

Research suggests that children should be kept at home until 8 to 12 years old, then begin attending school. Attitudes toward parents, peers, and school can be improved and children can learn more effectively when taught physically, academically, and socially at home in their early years. (PGD)

Offers an update on global education programs from around the world, in the hope that American educators will seek dialogue with their international peers. (Author/MLF)

Reviews current literature on sex education and concludes that adequate community support and proven methods exist for establishing much-needed sex education programs in schools. Asserts that preservice and inservice programs for teachers and educators' willingness to address the social and human problems associated with teenage sexuality are also…

Argues that experimental and field research can now demonstrate causal relationships between teaching techniques and learning, and that effective teaching practices can be taught. Urges, therefore, that improving teacher education be given high priority. (MCG)

Education reform has wrongly focused on teacher motivation and rewards, when the organizational system itself is at fault. Research shows that effective school management hinges on increased individual discretion and decision-making opportunities for teachers and less controlling behavior by administrators. Ten characteristics of effective…

This article's review of recent educational materials dealing with mental health and the classroom includes research into school setting and organization, early detection and remediation, curriculum, and teaching and counseling. The authors also describe a model program in Memphis, Tennessee, and offer various steps for teaching social skills.…

Results of the "A Study of Schooling" survey indicate that the practice of tracking in secondary schools makes it difficult for schools to achieve either academic excellence or equality of educational opportunities. Tracking, furthermore, forces schools to perpetuate social and economic inequalities. Eight footnotes are appended. (IW)