The purpose of this study was to examine exemplary communication efforts of 12 selected outstanding schools in the United States. The methodology employed was case study methodology supplemented by interviews with key educational administrators. The results show unusual and outstanding ways that schools communicate with parents and the public, as…

A collaborative Internet Web page design project broke disciplinary, college, and classroom boundaries when used to re-imagine teaching-thinking-learning possibilities to reconfigure education. The collaboration, named Tools for the Mind: Using Technology for Mindwork, involved teacher education students and university professors from the…

This report documents best practices in teacher education at five universities (George Washington University, Western Oregon University, the University of Louisville, Colorado State University, and the University of New Mexico). The universities were part of a project to identify and document how contextual teaching and learning can improve…

This periodical provides accessible, in-depth profiles of programs and policies that have made measurable differences in the lives of children and families. A particular focus is on initiatives that have helped reform child-serving institutions and systems and that have strengthened the physical infrastructure, economic vitality, and social fabric…

This report presents data on high school performance indicators for the 1999-00 school year in Chancellor's District high schools. Data are provided on: background; students (numbers and ethnicity); state accountability indicators in English and language arts (full cohort and seniors in the cohort); state accountability indicators in mathematics…

This paper examines Kate Walsh's Abell Foundation report, which purports to prove there is no credible research supporting the use of teacher certification as a regulatory barrier to teaching and argues against reforms that would strengthen incentives to bring qualified teaches to inner city schools. This paper discusses inaccuracies in Walsh's…

This collection of papers examines a 10-year process of teacher education reform at Ohio State University, describing 13 Professional Development Schools (PDSs). After "Introduction: Context, Challenges, and Consequences: PDSs in the Making" (Marilyn Johnston), there are 16 papers in four parts. Part 1, "Contextualizing PDS Work and…

Using the Scale of Intrinsic versus Extrinsic Orientation in the Classroom (S. Harter, 1980) and the Self-Perception Profile for Children (S. Harter, 1985), this study of 222 urban early adolescents (median age=149 months) examined differences in motivation that might affect academic achievement and perceptions of competence. Socioeconomic status…

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…

Volume II presents data and discussion on state-common school systems; city school systems; universities, colleges, and technological schools; agricultural and mechanical colleges; professional schools; normal schools; summer schools; public and private high schools; manual and industrial training; commercial and business schools; schools for…

Discusses ten principles, evolving from the authors' experiences at South Boston High School, that form the core of a new view of schooling and its relation to the society it serves. (Author/WD)

Utilizes questionnaires to examine the various approaches to assessment used by inner city London, primary grade teachers. Specifically investigates assessment in English, mathematics, and science. Discovers a wide variety of approaches, both formal and informal. Discusses these findings in light of recent policy developments. (MJP)

Analyzes and explains the change of a crowd into a mob. Uses as a case study the behavior of crowds involved in the integration of two previously all-White elementary schools in New Orleans (Louisiana). Emphasizes the role of the White students who continued to attend the schools. (FMW)

Policy recommendations to create school and community partnerships were formulated by educators participating in the School-Community Connection project of the Institute for Responsive Education. Recommendations center on collaboration, partnership and leadership development, standard setting, assessment and accountability, and school-work…

School-based media provide information, help organize information and ideas, help create values and attitudes, help shape expectations, and provide models for action. Schools should continuously involve students in analyzing media message systems and help students develop critical thinking (including media literacy). (RLC)