Describes computer-adaptive tests and computer-based tests used in improvement-referenced evaluation. Reviews tests developed by the Northwest Evaluation Association and Lexia. (PKP)

Advocates extra time between kindergarten and the first grade for academically and socially immature children to acquire learning skills and develop positive self-esteem. Includes three case studies of former transitional class students. (PKP)

Discusses age differences in public attitudes toward public schools from recent Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll. For example, the biggest problem facing schools identified by those 50 and older is discipline, whereas those between 18 and 29 identified finance. Both age groups strongly support public schools. (PKP)

Discusses four strategies for preventing school violence based on analysis of over 150 research studies: Do not tolerate student-to-student harassment in the school and classroom, promote a culture of tolerance and acceptance, reach out to students who are a little different, and provide opportunities for students to get to know each other. (PKP)

Compares state policies with accountability provisions of the newly reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (PKP)

A summer reading list for teachers and policymakers including such books as "The View from Saturday" by E.L. Konigsburg and "It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folktale" by Margot Zemach. (PKP)

Discusses reaction to satirical letter criticizing teachers for spending extra time with weaker students published in the March 23, 2001, issue of the "San Jose Mercury News" by a former professor of mathematics and computer science. (PKP)

Middle-school French teacher discusses a classroom-management quiz on handling situations involving student misbehavior that she created for teachers. Includes quiz questions and answers. (PKP)

Describes findings and recommendations of the first annual report of the Massachusetts Education Reform Review Commission, which focused on standards and assessments, accountability, district and teacher capacity, and funding. (PKP)

Describes several techniques for shooting and processing video in the classroom. Suggests several websites with useful information and tutorials on making classroom videos. (PKP)

Argues for creation of learner-centered schools where children's early passion for learning can be nurtured and sustained. Discusses role of parents and teachers in providing students with learner-centered education environment. (PKP)

Based on findings of school-choice efforts in the Boulder Valley School District in Colorado, concludes that this reform experiment should be abandoned, because of controversy involving competition for district resources, differential perceptions of parent satisfaction, and inequitable opportunities for parents to exercise school-choice options.…

Argues against concept of one best way for educating American public school students based on the ideological or pedagogical beliefs of any single individual or group. Calls for local school districts to exercise multiple concepts of education focused on giving all students an equal opportunity to achieve the American Dream. (Contains 16…

Argues that school districts should adopt diversified education programs selected for their conceptual strengths and evidence of effectiveness. (PKP)

Argues that instead of raising academic standards, high-stakes testing has weakened them. (PKP)