Promise programs are place-based scholarships, generally tied to a city or school district, offering near-universal access to all living in the "place." While Promise programs share some characteristics with other scholarship programs, they're unique because they seek to change communities and schools. Underlying such promise programs is…

The author interviewed hundreds of adolescents about what makes them interested in learning, in and out of school. The result is a formula hinging on creating eight conditions that spur kids to take active, motivated roles in their own learning.

In an interview, David Hawkins, director of the Mountain View Center for Environmental Education, discusses the approach to elementary science teaching he developed through participating in the Elementary Science Study, observing a similar project in England, working directly with other teachers, and working with children. (PGD)