Articles on second language education include: "Foreign Languages in Schools" (Madelyn Holmes), an overview of the benefits of language instruction in elementary and secondary education; "Japanese across the Miles" (Elizabeth Reiken), describing a high school distance learning program in Japanese; "Teaching Spanish as a Community Service" (Rita A.…

Innovative programs of school reform and research for diverse student populations have tended to focus on specific cultural, linguistic, or ethnic populations and on specific local communities. Findings from this body of research over the years have resulted in a core of principles for designing and implementing programs for at-risk students. Five…

This paper introduces the purposes of school learning communities. Section 1, "Foundations of a Learning Community," presents a definition and discusses different approaches to reforming schools. Section 2, "Key Aspects of a Learning Community," highlights three components of learning communities (student learning, teacher…

This document presents the full revised course descriptions for Florida exceptional student education in grades 6-8. Courses incorporate the Florida standards for a special diploma. Requirements include a list of related benchmarks from the state standards for each level of functioning: independent, supported, and participatory. Introductory…

This report restates selected Southern Regional Education Board policy recommendations on teacher quality since the early 1980s, outlines key policy areas that need attention, and provides examples of state actions to make needed changes. Regarding teacher preparation, the report discusses university responsibility, partnerships with schools, and…

This brief examines the impact of teaching on student achievement, necessary steps for ensuring teacher quality, and policies needed to support that effort. Research has identified the strong connection between student achievement and teacher preparation and skills. Efforts to generate consistently high teaching levels across all classrooms must…

This chapter is part of a book that recounts the year's work at the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) at Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi. Rather than an "elitist" laboratory school for the children of university faculty, the dual-language ECDC is a collaboration between the Corpus Christi Independent School District and…

This document provides a framework by which Oklahoma local school districts can develop their curriculum for physical education. Designed for grades K-12, it offers a foundation for appropriate physical education practices linked to the Priority Academic Student Skills (PASS) national standards and benchmarks for each of three goals: motor skill…

This document describes President Clinton's call to action for American education in the 21st century. Strong, safe schools with clear standards of achievement and discipline, and talented and dedicated teachers in every classroom are needed. Priorities include: setting rigorous national standards, with national tests in fourth-grade reading and…

This participant's manual is part of a training program sponsored by IL NET, a national training and technical assistance project working to strengthen the independent living movement. It is intended to teach participants what the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) law and regulations require, how to do transition planning and the…

This teacher's guide and student guide are designed to accompany a consumer mathematics textbook that contains supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. The materials are designed to help these students succeed in regular education content…

This teacher's guide and student guide are designed to accompany a general mathematics textbook that contains supplemental readings, activities, and methods adapted for secondary students who have disabilities and other students with diverse learning needs. The materials are designed to help these students succeed in regular education content…

This monograph provides a status report on issues related to accountability, including standards and assessments, data systems, and the role of incentives for schools, teachers, and students in improving student achievement. Using information gathered from the literature and interviews with state administrators of vocational education, this paper…

The chapters in this volume illustrate how teachers are bringing creativity, higher-order thinking, and meaningful learning activities into particular school settings despite pressures of standards and testing. The editors chose the word wise for the title of this book, and they use it frequently to describe the pedagogical practices they have…

The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, reauthorized in January 2002, ensures educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. This document summarizes key provisions of the Act, as well as key provisions of the reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act's Title I statute. It is designed to provide…