Serves as an introduction to seven articles which focus on the differences between school renewal and school reform and their implications in a democratic society. Embedded in both terms are basic views of the world, human nature, and the way individuals do business. Renewal considers matters of justice, equity, and diversity; reform affirms…

Critiques a November 1999 "Kappan" article praising one charter school's special-education program, arguing that most Massachusetts for-profit charter schools receive funding for disabled students whom they refuse to serve. These schools have excluded, counseled out, mistreated, and withheld needed services from numerous students with…

Six sets of emerging issues that could involve specific students and classroom situations are discussed here: class suspensions and due process, class rules and teacher inconsistency, classroom equality of opportunity, competency testing, classification of students, and classroom management in alternative schools. (Author)

Equal access to quality education for all is the chief mission of the Carter administration's policy. (Author)

Describes components of "Seventh Five-Year Plan" for China that identify the importance of educational development. In 1985 the Ministry of Education was replaced by the National Education Commission, emphasizing the new prominence of education. The centralized structure of the education system is being dismantled, and concerns over the…

Although judicial influence in education seems to have faded since 1973, the federal government's diminished involvement in educational support and policymaking may result in a new wave of reform if challenges to the nonenforcement or rewriting of existing statutes providing services to disadvantaged groups are brought to court. (MJL)

This article describes a procedure for implementing an education voucher system, and answers common objections to such a system. (JH)

Distinguishes among three kinds of standards: content, performance, and opportunity-to-learn. The standards concept has not been analyzed carefully enough to warrant establishing national standards, which could have undesirable consequences and require a different governmental role. Many adults willingly prescribe high learning standards but are…

Describes an education professor's efforts to equalize opportunities for a blind student teacher in her reading instruction class. The class was better for sighted students because of the blind student's presence and the modifications made to accommodate her lack of sight. Accommodation challenges are even greater for elementary teachers with…

An assistant principal describes longterm benefits from her mentoring relationship with the principal of Santa Monica (California) High School. Chagrined at her principal's close, hands-on supervisory style, the assistant principal gradually gained experience and confidence. She learned that leadership is about serving others, compassion, and…

Presents content standards for performance-based accountability systems, which should not be driven by a single indicator. Systems must consider school context and individual student differences; monitor and support equitable learning opportunities, long-term professional development opportunities, and classroom assessments; and allow for…

Reviews comparative study of early childhood education policy and services in 12 countries produced by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Discusses seven major cross-national issues and key elements of successful early childhood education policies. Draws implications for the United States. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Imagine a school that offers its students a safe environment, a rigorous college-prep curriculum, high expectations for student responsibility, and individualized attention. In this article, the author describes such a school, but it is not an elite private school for the wealthy. It is the Street Academy in Oakland, California, which serves a…