This presentation addresses three topics: (1) the assessment of professional learning communities in schools; (2) the design and development of professional learning communities in schools; and (3) the effects of professional learning communities in schools. The purpose of this brief document is to share descriptions, processes, and materials…

This paper discusses practices, issues, and trends in Japanese middle school education that have bearing on U.S. education, grouping them into four categories. Section 1, "School Reform," discusses central control of education, opportunities for student creativity, improved teacher education, and the examination system. Section 2,…

The author recommends that teachers receive a strong liberal education followed by a two-year postbaccalaureate training program. In addition, the schools must be reorganized to include hierarchically structured teams of teachers headed by those with even further professional training and higher pay. (Author/JM)

Develops a sociology of school establishments by examining 20 French colleges from 1981-86 (roughly equivalent to U.S. junior high schools and the end of French compulsory schooling). Examines prospects of meeting French government's goal of 80 percent of students completing secondary education through clarification of school identity, stronger…

This executive summary of a report of a Texas task force on the education of students with disabilities has been published in separate English and Spanish versions, both provided here. The report outlines a policy for educating students with disabilities, the foundation for the policy, and recommendations for implementing the policy goals. The…

Educational partnerships, i.e., partnerships between high schools and businesses, are a promising way of working together that is both old and new. The following features characterize collaborative partnerships: shared goals; mutual respect and trust; cooperative effort; shared power; contribution of varying talents, perspectives, and resources…

During the past 4 years, the education reform movement in the United States has made significant progress. At the federal level, the Bush Administration proposed "America 2000," its specific recommendations for systemic reform; and the Clinton Administration introduced "Goals 2000: Educate America Act." This report concentrates…

This report examines the condition of America's young adolescents and how well middle grade schools, health institutions, and community organizations serve them. In its plan for action, the Task Force on Education of Young Adolescents of the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development makes recommendations for new structures for middle grade…

High school educators and students appear to have struck an implicit "bargain" that results in a deemphassis on academic learning. This book analyzes current proposals to enhance educational standards in light of the influence of this bargaining in classrooms. In so doing, it explores recent scholarship bearing on personal relations and…

Public education is facing a crisis of major proportions, but the things that are basically wrong with schools are not those being emphasized in current proposals for change. This paper identifies two basic defects in the American system of public education: (1) there is too little attention to individual differences; and (2) there is too much…

This guidance instrument (student four-year planning form), middle school program, and student learning objectives for all career and vocational education courses to be changed or added represent the products of a Lake Stevens School District, Washington, curriculum development project. The guidance instrument is a form to be completed by…

This report examines some of the many varieties of alternatives now available, their problems and pitfalls, and their hopes for the future. After defining alternative schools, the report discusses the rationale for having alternatives and then summarizes the range of alternatives available at both the elementary and secondary levels. Separate…

The primary aim of this handbook is to encourage and stimulate growth and renewal of the "human element" within the school environment. Four processes form the objectives that are fundamental to achieving this goal: problem solving, shared decision making, open communications, and accountability. Skills in these four processes are discussed in…

Describes the creation and design of Co-NECT, a computer and networking project created by Bolt Beranek and Newman Educational Technologies to help improve teaching and learning in K-12 schools. Discusses student and teacher experiences, evaluations of experiences, necessary school infrastructures, and the organization and politics of schools and…

Considers issues of school choice and school autonomy. Parents, society as a whole, and the educator team of each school should have a lead role in answering the basic questions about schooling. Examples from schools in other countries illustrate some new approaches to school autonomy. (SLD)