At this point in his long and varied career in public education, Joe Nathan, the author of this article is beginning to doubt some of his previous stances about the principles under which public schools should operate. He remains, however, a staunch supporter of public charter schools. As he reads Frederick Hess' argument that we need to…

Studies the performance of four of Minnesota's school-choice programs. Finds positive impact on student participants' satisfaction, aspirations, and academic achievement; the importance of continuous monitoring and review of choice options; and general lack of support for negative predictions such as open enrollment "could destroy our programs for…

After 4 years of debate, the National Collegiate Athletic Association agreed in January 2000 to accept high-school principals' descriptions of their courses, rather than to continue judging courses through the clearinghouse. Persistence, a sense of humor, and sympathetic journalists aided the protest effort. (MLH)

Many educators, parents, and students are upset with the National Collegiate Athletic Association Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse's rejection of some high school graduates' acceptable coursework. The NCAA should stop trying to dictate high school course content, increase scrutiny of its members, tighten academic requirements for on-campus…

Charter schools are challenged to find appropriate, inexpensive assessment measures, accommodate special-education students, discover effective governance models, organize learning and teaching effectively, and attract diverse students. External challenges include studying effects of multiple sponsorships, weak charter laws, and involvement of…

Presents a brief history of charter schools, summarizes important elements, discusses key lessons from the charter school movement, and explores some unanswered questions. Charter schools can positively affect student achievement, attendance, and attitude; often focus on low- and moderate-income youngsters; provide talented educators with…

Explores such myths as competency-based graduation requirements are a repudiation of humanistic concerns, the public won't accept subjective measures of competence, and requiring students to pass proficiency tests before graduation will increase public support for education. Offers suggestions for developing new kinds of graduation requirements.…

Studies are divided into two groups--results of experimental programs and effects of traditional schools. The research supports the effectiveness of nontraditional school programs. (Author/IRT)

Examines research and survey results, as well as reports of specific cases, to determine the popularity, effectiveness, impact on public schooling, and implications for handicapped, disruptive, and minority students of providing educational choice. Considers the current availability of options, competition from private schools, and constitutional…

The authors take issue with Mary Anne Raywid's article on public alternative schools in the April 1981 "Kappan." Specifically, they address the "myths" concerning student veto power, evaluation, impetus for developing alternative schools, and the effects of federal money. (WD)

"Time for Results: the Governors' 1991 Report on Education" provides new perspectives for educators tackling school improvement agendas. The nation's governors divided into seven task forces to examine school readiness, facilities, teaching, leadership, educational technology, college quality, parent involvement and school choice and made numerous…

If Minnesota public school choice programs were as bad as Judith Pearson's "Kappan" (June 1989) article alleges, most teachers would not support them. There would be declining cooperation among rural school districts, little interest in handicapped or "unattractive" students' needs, and a teacher shortage. As this article shows, the reverse is…

Reviews current efforts in the movement for providing parents and students school selection choices. Benefits resulting from school choice include: dropout reduction, increased achievement, more parental involvement, racial integration, and improved morale. Outlines the features of a desirable choice plan and the prospects for development of…

Brisk political winds are now converging behind national proposals for youth service. As several examples show, combining classroom work with service/social action projects can help produce dramatic improvements in student attitudes, motivation, and achievement. Learning through service succeeds because youth become active, needed members of their…

Kohl presents his version of the six national goals, stressing students' right to the elimination of child poverty, dignified full employment, and the chance to work toward a compassionate global economy. Corporations really want sheep, not inquisitive, well-qualified workers. Fighting poverty is more effective than labeling children "at-risk."…