This study examined teachers' and parents' perceptions of pedagogical successes in, and problems with, the implementation of mixed-age classes in primary education. Questionnaires were completed by 44 teachers in 2 British Columbia school districts, and by 41 parents of children in mixed-age classes in those districts. Some of the teachers were…

This policy paper summarizes the research on change and effective staff development to drive an outcomes-based, results oriented approach to increase student success. The paper provides a discussion of the following ideas necessary for practice: (1) participants must be involved in planning and developing training; (2) training must be relevant,…

Originally published in 1984, this book has been re-issued with a new and timely introduction and an index. Its six chapters provide a framework for viewing schools and teachers' roles within those schools and serve as a springboard for discussion about how to restructure schools and in what direction. Chapter 1, "The Social Realities of…

Recognizing the demand for a knowledge base to use to enhance the redesigning of the American educational system, this study adds to that base by identifying factors that are likely to lead to successful redesign. Two public elementary schools undergoing restructuring as part of the Indiana 2000 initiative were selected. One served over 180…

The Educational Reform Act (ERA) of 1988 reflects the most comprehensive restructuring of education in Britain in this century. This paper discusses the implementation of the National curriculum, the innovation at the heart of the ERA. The first part of the paper offers the views of educational commentators on changes resulting from this law.…

The collaboration of universities and schools/school districts has often been proposed as an effective force for reviewing the quality of the schools and the education of the educators. A study of a workshop that was a major collaborative event in an ongoing university-schools partnership illustrated that symbiotic and organic cooperation is…

This guide provides procedures and supporting materials for a sex equity workshop aimed at elementary school teachers. The workshop is intended to expand awareness of sexism and to increase sex-affirmative behavior in the educational environment. The guide describes content, process, and sequential learning experiences for seven sessions, plus an…

In the 60's in response to the social studies curriculum reform movement two demands on the training of elementary school teachers were evident: (1) more instruction in the parent social sciences, and (2) more pointed attention to the development of inquiry processes in the various fields. In response, the University of Georgia initiated a double…

This study investigated how teachers described current decision making structures, culture, and the power/micropolitics of their work, examining how they used their agency to accomplish work and make decisions together under Florida's reform. Data came from interviews with 1996 and 1997 elementary educators selected as teachers of the year. The…

Based on the premise that determining the early childhood curriculum hinges to a certain extent on discovering the nature of children, this chapter explores the origins and practices of early childhood curriculum in the United States. The chapter reveals perceptions shifting over time regarding characterizations of young children's most essential…

This paper highlights four books that examine issues related to public schools: who public schools belong to, why Americans fund public education, and what is public about it. The paper discusses the major themes of the books, noting existence of a general sense that education matters. (SM)

This study compared the affective attributes of 1990's preservice teachers with those of 1980's preservice teachers. Surveys examined concerns, teaching attitudes, teaching anxiety, confidence, and academic ability. The 1990's students were as academically capable as their 1980's counterparts, with similar or more desirable affective attributes.…

This study examined minority and mainstream teacher candidates' views on teaching as a profession and career. Interviews and surveys indicated that both groups were concerned with professional status, proud of becoming teachers, and worried about teaching conditions. Minority students were more affected by the low professional status of teaching…

San Francisco teachers and principals in low-performing schools receive one chance to repair things and are removed if they fail. Many closed schools have reopened with new staff. The paper describes school takeovers, discussing advantages and disadvantages of the method and opinions of various school officials and teachers. (SM)

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article examines challenges that arise when preservice teacher education occurs mainly within professional development schools (PDS). Suggests that for PDS to promote reform, partners must set aside preconceived notions and share in decision…