With motivational insight, educational understanding, and independence, a maverick educator transformed an East Los Angeles high school previously on a disaster course. In the process, one of his most gifted and imaginative teachers, Jaime Escalante, became a media celebrity. (Author/MSE)

In this age of greater school accountability, some the country's larger comprehensive high schools have lost their allure with the public. Because of significant achievement gaps between White and minority students, many of these schools have been blamed for not meeting the needs of poor and disadvantaged students. Detractors point out that these…

This article describes a successful alternative school located in northwest Wyoming. Students who attend this school need an atmosphere that is accepting of their differences and allows them to express themselves without fear of ridicule or punishment. These children are looking for a safe, secure place to complete their education, a place where…

The development of high school accreditation in California and six recommendations for the accrediting process are considered. From 1884 until 1962, high school accreditation was conducted by the University of California. Since 1962, the Accrediting Commission for Schools of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) has been the…

In the past 50 years many political organizations have attempted to seek redress from repressive governments. Many have used methods considered to be terrorism. The United Nations (UN) is interested in establishing a set of guidelines dealing with the prevention of terrorism. This unit focuses on several questions that attempt to define terrorism.…

In this lesson plan, each student acts as a Member of Parliament (MP) in England in 1832 who must analyze the effects of what some people are referring to as the "Industrial Revolution." Students will write a bill, write a speech, and participate in debates. Students are provided with background information, detailed instructions, online…

Colleges and universities will be affected by the manner in which incoming students have been prepared for postsecondary education. Integration of efforts by colleges and secondary schools in subjects such as mathematics and science are recommended, and some cooperative efforts between higher education and public schools are described. (MLW)

Describes the College Board's Pacesetter Program, high school courses developed using principles of ongoing performance testing and portfolios, standards, and curriculum. The model is illustrated in a description of the Voices of Modern Culture language arts course. Argues that this assessment process has systemic validity and is more relevant to…

Argues for college learning communities as vehicles for high school reform, and by extension, for reform of K-12 instruction. Such learning communities can model sound academic practices that all students should master in their last year of high school and first year of college. Programs at Temple University (Pennsylvania) and Portland State…

Findings based on High School and Beyond survey data suggest that taking more high-school math courses and being held to higher math standards are associated with higher future earnings. Results for science courses are less clear. Students must be challenged, and math teachers must receive additional training. (Contains 41 references.) (MLH)

This article describes a 4-day pilot science program attended by 19 inner city, at-risk high school students during their winter holiday break. The program was a collaborative effort involving a local education agency, a higher education institution, and a museum of natural history. Its main purpose was developing and implement science activities…

This handbook provides information about implementing inclusive educational opportunities for high school students with significant cognitive disabilities using modified courses developed or approved by the Manitoba (Canada) Ministry of Education and Training. Individual sections of the handbook address: a description of the modified course…

Ribault (Florida) Senior High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a comprehensive college preparation curriculum. Among the program changes that contributed to those gains are: (1) the establishment and consistent enforcement of a strong discipline program, including rules for student conduct, a…

Bob Algozzine et al. studied Florida's minimum competency testing as a requirement for high school graduation and wrote a report titled "Analysis of Basic Skill Competencies of Learning Disabled Adolescents," from which this one-page summary was prepared. The study sample included 938 regular class students and 1,098 learning-disabled…

Interest in applied performance testing and concern about the quality of the high school diploma are finding a common ground: graduation requirements. A competency is a complex capability applicable in real life situations, and can be used as program objectives in a competency-based, criterion-referenced program. In such a program, applied…