Weldon, Menacker, and Hurwitz studied teacher-student relationships and student behavior in four Chicago inner-city elementary schools. Findings indicated that, although students and teachers reported mutual respect, each school had severe discipline problems. The authors present several possible explanations. Commentary on the study by Guinagh…

Discusses how particular attitudes and pedagogical practices were presented in a kindergarten center serving predominantly black children. Adoption of pedagogy responsive to children's cultural styles encompasses an array of social, cultural, and political factors reflected in teachers' and administrators' behavior toward minority children. (41…

Explores the roles that preference, comfort level, and training play in teachers' willingness to provide environmental education opportunities in natural settings. Suggests a strong relationship between personal preference and comfort levels and teachers' willingness to take their students to a particular natural setting. (CCM)

The dramatic change in parents' involvement in their children's primary education in England over the last 15 years is exemplified by the case of one inner-city Liverpool school's successful parent-school partnership program. Among other improvements, substantial gains in reading scores are attributed to parent assistance. (MJL)

Articulates the position of linquists who believe that the school system must adapt to the language and learning styles of the majority in the inner city schools. (DM)

This report describes a particular approach to sex education, the purposeful solicitation of questions on sex from the students by the teacher. Its value is two fold: (1) concrete documentation of the details of student concern in sexual matters; and (2) facilitation of the actual educational process in ways beneficial to both teacher and student.…

Attempts to improve urban school systems have been many and varied. Still there has been little appreciable improvement in the quality and/or results of urban education. One primary reason why the "innovations" have failed is that most of them have been introduced into an ongoing social system with little or no attempt to assess their effects on…

Teacher questions and concerns regarding the implementation of Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, were examined in visits to six local education agencies (LEAs). Types of LEAs visited included an eastern township, a southwest city, a midwest city, a remote town, and an eastern metropolis. Chapters of the report…

Case studies can help cast light on how schools face the problems of discipline and low achievement, neither of which is created or can be the sole responsibility of the schools. An attempt is made to report on the experience and performance of a public senior high school in the area of discipline. (Author)

The quality of urban education is poor and must be upgraded. The author, Assistant Secretary for Education and United States Commissioner of Education, writes with the knowledge and view of an educator. (CK)