The norm-referenced competitive environment of our schools is difficult for the below-average student. These students could achieve at higher levels if our educational system changed to one in which an individual is evaluated against identifiable standards of excellence. Below-average students would be motivated to increase their efforts and less…

A teacher explores the recent educational reform movement and discusses the studies of schools done by Sociologist Christopher Jencks in the 1970s. An important idea that can be extrapolated from Jencks' studies is that schools should function more like families than factories. This would empower teachers and make schooling more equitable,…

Describes the National Education Association's Mastery in Learning Project. The project was designed and piloted in six elementary and secondary schools in different regions of the United States in 1985-86. Plans have been made for a three-year demonstration project in 24 schools in 1986-87. Includes references. (MD)

Outlines how educational reform could be enhanced by using teachers as private practitioners working in groups to contract their services as professionals to schools. In Minnesota the idea is being explored in a small project, Teachers in Private Practice. (MD)

Educational improvements should not depend on "heroic" efforts. Administrators need to develop ways to support innovation systematically. Four conditions are important for facilitating improvement: (1)available time, (2) cushions against interference, (3) encouragement, and (4) recognition of the need for incorporation. (MD)

Outlines the services provided to schools by The Wisconsin School Evaluation Consortium. It exists to provide evaluation of the effectiveness of educational programs to its members. Includes references. (MD)

In 1981 the University of Vermont redesigned its graduate level education curriculum and formed school improvement collaboratives with rural schools to improve instruction and supervision. Since the development of the school improvement projects there has been an increase in student achievement across the state. Includes a map, case history, and a…

Discusses two different strategies for incorporating home-school-community partnerships into the agenda for educational reform. The "gradual strategy" includes seven steps and the "bolder strategy" six steps. Includes references. (MD)

Outlines research findings on enriched environment investigations on the development of the brain's neocortex. Although the research has been conducted on animal brains, researchers expect to find related patterns in plasticity in humans. The research is important to educators as it challenges them to define, create, and maintain an emotionally…

The use of modern technology in education has reached a turning point. Equipment found in schools is increasing, and computer-assisted instruction has been shown to achieve positive results. Learning to use computer utilities and databases should be given high priority. (MD)

Discusses the uses of the computer and how it is changing society. In the classroom computers teach new skills and can provide instructional microworlds and minilaboratories in which students carry out experiments. Includes suggestions for preparing written assignments and an outline for a course on preparing teachers for using computers. (MD)

In an interview, Sherry Turkle (author of "The Second Self: Computers and the Human Spirit") discusses the development of personal styles developed by individuals using computers. She stresses the importance of having teachers familiar and comfortable with computers and students having access to computers as tools they use in the classroom.…

In evaluating a private school's incorporation of computers into the curriculum the researcher noted that the use of drill-and-practice programs taught students that computers are boring. They did not get any understanding of the varied uses for computers. (MD)

Outlines how word processing programs can be used to create flexible programs for teaching reading and writing skills. Describes two curriculum development projects in the U.S. Department of Education Basic Skills Program that used word processing to develop an integrated language arts program. (MD)

Surveys artificial intelligence and the development of computer-based tutors and speculates on the future of artificial intelligence in education. Includes discussion of the definitions of knowledge, expert systems (computer systems that solve tough technical problems), intelligent tutoring systems (ITS), and specific ITSs such as GUIDON, MYCIN,…