Vitality in planning, interest in individual students' concern about high school, and meaningful rituals explain the effectiveness of a Columbus, Ohio, transition program. The combined efforts of many professionals result in a stable entering class that feels welcome; has fewer first-day absences, lost students, and schedule changes; and is better…

Examines why curriculum planning falls short in site-based management and what can be done about it. Alternative curriculum-planning strategies include holistic planning, construction of thematic units to suit students' individual differences, and a multifaceted, cross-functional approach. Adapting corporate innovations and pursuing strategic…

A problem-based learning process in a social studies teacher's classroom encourages students to use their own learning profiles to assess individual test-taking skills, develop and implement strategies to improve performance, and monitor, regulate, and evaluate the success of their adopted methods. AMSOFT computer software divides exam subtexts…

Legislators, politicians, and business leaders should heed research demonstrating the effectiveness of smaller schools, which often have an enhanced learning ambience. Opportunities to participate and develop life skills are much greater in smaller schools. Small schools have fewer disruptions, promote belonging, and can enhance academic…

To counter low test scores, a rising dropout rate, and teacher apathy, a small group of teachers at Hollywood (California) High School developed a career academy, an interdisciplinary school-within-a-school stressing small classes and business speakers. The program recruited interested students and promoted a career theme with good employment…

Five essential freedoms of the Open Education movement at the secondary level are proclaimed: freedom to attend school or not; to choose a program of studies; to select teachers; freedom to evaluate oneself; and freedom to participate in the planning of the curriculum. (EH)

Outlines aims and program strategies for school districts to consider in attempting to cope with four problem areas associated with racial imbalance: imbalance in the black minority school population across a school district; segregation resulting from current school attendance boundaries; segregation or resegregation resulting from…

Maintains that everyone involved in a specific school can benefit from more effective communication; presents a technique of approaching human relations education. (DM)

Examines the problem of urban education and the implications for educators and disadvantaged youth, focusing on curriculum and background relevant to curriculum innovation. (DM)