This article discusses seven lessons learned from Katrina, suggesting that after chaos: (1) there is hope; (2) there is a strong atmosphere of indeterminacy; (3) things tend to break apart and reform in somewhat similar ways but with different values; (4) there is a desire for organization, leadership, and familiarity; (5) there is a sense of…

As far as schools are concerned, there are three kinds of safety: physical, emotional, and intellectual. Excellence demands all three, while "good enough" schools are simply physically safe. How can parents and others determine whether a school is physically safe? It's always good to find out how many students were suspended at a particular…

Boredom and violence are not disconnected, and kids who aren't engaged in what they must spend more than twelve years doing, day after day, are at risk. But are schools safe even in more favored neighborhoods? Not in the deeper sense of safe. Not only are children verbally and physically abused in many public schools in minor ways--in ways that…

Reviews pivotal Supreme Court decisions embodying a separationist approach and an accommodations stance regarding church and state. Discusses the views of Stephen Carter, government guidelines, and recent flashpoints in the church-state debate, such as school prayer and vouchers. Contains 52 endnotes. (SK)

Analysis of other national systems of education identified factors that may explain the low ranking of U.S. students in achievement. Other nations emphasize clear priorities and accountability, school autonomy over personnel and operations, teacher discretion over teaching methods, and more time spent studying. (SK)

Service learning outcomes for students include personal/social development, improved achievement and civic responsibility, and career awareness. The impact of service learning can be heightened by implementing explicit links to curriculum and greater student responsibility and choice. (Contains 31 references.) (SK)

A literature review and empirical research determined that variations in teacher burnout are largely explained by differences in leadership practices. Differences in modeling, individual support, intellectual stimulation, school culture, and leadership styles contribute to or alleviate burnout. (Contains 33 references.) (SK)

Reviews literature on constructivist theories, noting that constructivism challenges some understanding of content knowledge. Asserts that constructivist approaches can provide insights for teacher education as long as student understanding of content remains paramount. (Contains 35 references.) (SK)

Review of service-learning research shows that, although sustained involvement improves civic development, few schools require substantial service hours. Sensitivity to type of placement makes a difference. Problems of definition and measurement of diverse activities hinder research interpretation. (SK)

Recent research demonstrates that intelligence is much more complex than can be measured by standardized tests. External sociocultural factors influence the development of intelligence, and a distinction should be made between potential for learning and actual learning. (SK)

Several principles of management that have long been discussed and implemented in business now are being debated by educators, says the author. This article discusses many of these management principles, such as goal development and decision making, accountability, and objectives-based instructional programs, and their applications for classroom…

The author reviews literature on teacher surplus since 1968 and projects that by 1985 there will be a teacher surplus of 800,000. He suggests there are advantages to such surplus but concludes that prospective teachers should analyze their choice carefully, and experienced teachers may face new tensions and trials. (KC)

To examine the possibility that teacher variables affect school integration results, this article reviews the literature on minority children and teacher attitudes and behavior. This literature indicates that biased assessments (unfavorable attitudes, qualitatively inferior instructional behavior, and lower expectations) are made of minority or…

In her introduction to this theme issue on women and leadership, the author reviews evidence on the background characteristics and advancement patterns of women leaders. Childhood sports participation, parental support, role models, mentors, education, and the development of security and self-confidence are considered as requisites to leadership…

The author studies various research methodologies regarding teacher effectiveness and summarizes his findings concerning classroom organization, didactic teaching, and classroom management. The findings of individual studies are listed. (CT)