Reports on a study of 702 Illinois secondary schools' policies and on how well those policies are described in student handbooks. The findings show that local schools have good intentions about informing students and parents, but they also suggest that many policies may be inadequately reported. Includes tables and references. (MD)

Briefly outlines the National Research Council's 1979 study of minority student representation in special education classes. Outlines results from recent study analyzing the ethnic make-up of children labeled "learning disabled" in a large school district in Texas. Results indicate that a disproportionate number of minority students are still…

Describes how a Connecticut school learned to work with a ninth-grade student who was terminally ill. The school developed a plan of action through the help of a private counselor paid from special funds approved by the superintendent. (MD)

A Missouri high school principal noted an increase in alcohol-related incidents. He asked the student council to determine the scope of the problem and develop any program they might deem necessary. The program they developed, called "Right Life Week," is described. (MD)

This article asks and answers the following three questions concerning curriculum evaluation: (1) why evaluate curricula; (2) if curriculum evaluation can be justified, then what are useful curriculum evaluation questions; and (3) given the constraints of time, money, and expertise, how can useful curriculum evaluation be conducted? (DCS)

To help avoid past mistakes in attempts at curriculum and instructional improvement, this article offers five guidelines for secondary school curriculum change and innovation. (DCS)

While the short term trend in education emphasizes subjects, the long term emphasis will be on the competencies themselves. There will be many more options for the learner and a fundamental transition to a learning system with a life-span curriculum in school and non-school settings. (DCS)

Curriculum development should be a comprehensive process requiring a broad-based view of the educational system and its place within society, thus necessitating the use of a systematic curriculum development model. Such a model is provided here. Three references are provided. (DCS)

Today is an opportune time for school administrators to exercise leadership in curriculum development for school achievement. Effective schools research has found a school's culture and its strategies and tactics to be foundational to an excellent school. These are explored in this article. (DCS)

Contemporary society is facing rapid and fundamental changes, and educators must take the lessons of the past and shape a plan for the future. This article traces curriculum trends from the late nineteenth century to the present, showing how the aims of education adapted to the changing conditions and social forces. (DCS)

A review of some of the factors determining the effectiveness of the principal as an instructional leader over the past three decades provides background to a consideration of the current national reform movement, and related cautions and challenges for the principal. (DCS)

To be effective instructional leaders, principals need to teach students, teachers, and parents. This article traces the retreat of principals from the classroom, identifies the advantages of their return, develops the theory of andragogy, and applies it to the principal's situation. (DCS)

Public and official support is currently directed at education, making this the time to respond to the call to action. This article makes some suggestions to help the school administrator address the challenges of educational reform. (DCS)

In response to the prevailing attitude in American education today demanding higher academic standards and greater student achievement, this article lists 25 programs designed to increase academic excellence while still promoting a positive learning environment within the school. (DCS)

This article introduces and discusses some aspects of the complex problem of textbook reform, and suggests what the future holds for textbooks. (DCS)