Examines research on schoolwide programs with the views of experienced practitioners in 21 highly regarded schoolwide projects under Chapter 1, to identify the principles guiding effective schoolwide programs. The framework that the most successful schools build on is described, and practices that future Title 1 schoolwide programs can adopt are…

Delineates the cultural norms evident in the performance and practice of Ghanaian children's play songs. Describes the similarities and differences between these and those of adult Ghanaian music culture. Discusses the social significance of the songs and includes several tables showing musical notation. (MJP)

Describes one teacher's attempt to enlarge the scope of her teaching to include the music of Africa. Uses this experience to examine the practical problems of introducing multicultural education into the elementary curriculum. Primary problems concerned finding and adapting appropriate and authentic instructional materials. (MJP)

Presents a personal reflection on an ethnographic study of teaching and learning practices in Irish traditional music. Describes the aims and methods of the study and some of the culture of Ireland. Concludes with a rumination on the nature of truth, applicability, consistency and the role of the ethnographic researcher. (MJP)

The Improving America's Schools Act amends the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act making professional development a central component of its emphasis on improving teaching and learning through Titles I and II. A statement of principles of high quality professional development has been issued in support. (SLD)

Learning environments and assessments must be designed to include homeless children in their reform efforts. Although homelessness is not a problem educators can solve, they must be sure that they do not contribute to its problems through neglect of disadvantaged children. (SLD)

An in-depth analysis of data on two restructured schools assessed the impact of school organization on programs that provide social, health, and career development services for at-risk students. The analysis illustrates that unless the services become an integrated part of a community of concerned adults, their potential is lessened. (SLD)

This article examines research evidence on the effects of preschool reading practices on young children, emphasizing the role of school-based programs for young disadvantaged children. The analysis notes positive effects from story reading programs and presents practical guidelines related to group size, rereadings, vocabulary instruction, and…

Relationships among the attitudes and perceptions of parents, teachers, and family support staff toward parental involvement in prekindergarten programs were studied with 47 parents of children identified as being at risk for later school failure. Focus groups identified factors that encourage or discourage parents from active participation.. (SLD)

Addresses questions of how students learn to play the piano and what is the role of the teacher. Discusses a project in which piano students were allowed to set their own learning goals. Shows that most students had favorable opinions of the project and felt that their playing improved. (DSK)

Explores the day-to-day music curriculum in three elementary schools. Identifies three orientations toward the role of music education: (1) the functional, based on traditional academic goals and content; (2) the complementary, relegating music to a hidden curriculum; and (3) the expansive, focusing on enhancing perceptual and problem-solving…

Develops previous research by examining the roles of parent and teacher in the biographies of young music students. Confirms earlier findings that support by both parent and teacher motivates initial music learning and adds that over time motivation becomes intrinsic and self-sustaining. Examines the implications for music education. (DSK)

Investigates the effects of race and gender on evaluations of musical performances by musician educators. Also addresses the impact of the gender stereotype of particular instruments on evaluations. Finds that instrument stereotypes influence evaluations, particularly for female students playing "male" instruments, and that blacks were…

Describes a connectionist, or neural network, model of musical learning that can be used to explain research by Harold Fiske in musical pattern discrimination that shows that the identification of tonal and rhythmic relationships between patterns requires varying amounts of reaction time. Discusses the model's importance for music education. (DSK)

Compares the music-teaching methods of Maurice Martenot and Edgar Willems, used widely in Spain and Portugal, by applying a revised comparative model to both methods. Concludes that both methods have solid values relating to the development of aural perception. Suggests areas for further research. (DSK)