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…

Updated vocational agricultural programs and school-based enterprises can help rebuild rural economies. Advantages of vocational agricultural programs include leadership training, a problem-solving approach to the teaching of sciences and mathematics, and strong community support. School-based enterprises combine educational objectives and local…

This description of a model program developed in Washington State for improving teachers' classroom effectiveness includes an outline of the program's 15-step process and its three key concepts--involvement, ownership, and commitment--followed by discussions of resource people and the program's two-day problem-solving retreat. (JBM)

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.…

Surveys characteristics of the Soviet philosophy of education, which emphasizes character development consonant with Communist Party goals. Describes the attempts to train "the new Soviet man." (JW)

In Oklahoma, a new law (H.B. 1706)--the product of efforts by educators at all levels--promises to provide a framework to strengthen the preparation, induction, and continuing education of teachers. (Author/WD)

Discusses case studies that assessed the effectiveness of a performance-based teacher education curriculum on vocational teacher education programs. (WD)

Richard Sterling, executive director of nation's largest inservice training project, discusses his plans to enlarge the scope of the National Writing Project and place it at center of school reform. With 160 sites in 45 states and Puerto Rico, this 25-year-old project brings together expert teachers for extended summer training. Teachers…

During the 1930s, a worldwide depression created a fear of communism and a "law-and-order" mentality. The 1990s, by contrast, are marked by a social void in which guilt is ascribed to no one. As recent TV commercials show, dispensing reasonable consequences in response to negative actions is viewed as socially backward. Too often,…

According to superintendent of San Diego (California) City Schools, days are past when schools could concentrate simply on basic education and leave child's social, physical, psychological, and economic needs to others. New Beginnings, a collaborative effort to meet student and family needs, succeeds because participants developed shared…

Intelligence-friendly classrooms require a teaching/learning process governed by extant knowledge and theories about developing human beings' intellectual potential. Guidelines are based on setting a safe emotional climate, creating a rich learning environment, teaching the mind-tools and skills of life, developing learners' skillfulness,…

The Annenberg Institute for School Reform recently invited three distinguished educators (a superintendent, principal, and teacher leader) to Providence, Rhode Island, to reflect on the relationship between leadership and student achievement. Schools must tap into educators' training backgrounds; conversations at all levels must stress increasing…

Describes early childhood education reform policies in England based on recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Explores implications of these government reform initiatives for early childhood education in the United States. (Contains 39 references.) (PKP)

Reviews evolution and cultural context of early childhood education services and policies in Italy since late 19th century. Describes several features of Italian programs. Suggests that United States early childhood education programs and policies could benefit from many aspects of the Italian experience. (Contains 25 references.) (PKP)

In this article, the authors describe the extraordinary perseverance, and a series of legislative efforts of Indian education advocates in implementing a bill known as Indian Education for All (IEFA). The bill established three primary objectives with regard to Indian education in the state: (1) Every Montanan, whether Indian or non-Indian, is to…