As the "Peabody Journal of Education" celebrates its 80th anniversary, educational policymakers and practitioners are keenly aware of the many changes in the way public schools have been governed in large urban districts over the last 80 years. Among the most significant changes is the role of the mayor. Although the 1920s saw partisan politics in…

This article discusses different styles and methods of teaching and suggests that teachers bear in mind the relationship between their own specific purposes and their choice of method to implement them. (JD)

Cooperative classroom planning can provide the pupils many opportunities to learn how to plan together, make decisions together, evaluate experiences together, and get along with each other. (JD)

Legislative influence on the process of curriculum development is examined in this study of the Louisiana Legislature's Bill proposing a required course in the "Free Enterprise System" for high school students. The origins of the Bill, the debate for and against, and implications for curriculum research are outlined. (JMF)

Learning to learn should keynote today's educational philosophy. One method for developing learning skills is through the use of independent study guides (self-initiated study and direction activities serving as lesson plans for learners). (Author/MJB)

An overview of services offered by a comprehensive school media center is provided. Basis requirements for a quality media program are noted. (MJB)

This model has derived a particular set of competencies by selecting the best features of the disciplinarian, behavioristic, and therapeutic approaches to classroom management; each approach contains an outstanding feature that contributes significantly to the eclectic model. (JD)

This article reviews the changing goals of art education, describes the present status of objectives in the field, and projects some possibilities for the future. (RC)

Navajo Indian children often encounter difficulties in school because their culturally accepted ways of displaying competencies differ from those expected in school environments. Failure to accept or interpret test data may result in poor test results, which teachers see as disinterest in academic achievement. (DF)

This article shows examples of techniques to aid reading comprehension and vocabulary development in the study of economics. Discussed are textbook introduction exercises, structured overviews, selective reading guides, and word study guides. (CJ)

This paper is based on a review of research and other commentary about educational policies in desegrated schools. It identifies four general conditions likely to affect educational quality and suggests 12 policies and practices concerning school and classroom organization, human relations activities, and school staff. (PP)

Representative adaptations currently being used to educate exceptional children are described and their effectiveness is weighed. Diagnostic-prescriptive teaching, behavioral modification techniques, lesson content modifications, and early intervention are considered, as are student placement options, such as special schools and classes and…

Included among the 10 commandments for good writing are: (1) Write with verbs and nouns; (2) Write for yourself and other people; (3) Do not write in jargon; (4) Read aloud your writing; (5) Do not write cluttered sentences; and (6) Use concrete words and phrases. (JN)