Outlines misperceptions about equity issues relating to male and female performance in the educational system. There is evidence that female achievement is declining while male achievement levels exhibit more gains than females. This raises serious questions about the current educational experiences of females and the causes of the achievement…

Describes a study of classroom interaction conducted between 1980 and 1984. Findings include male students are given more attention in classrooms, educators are unaware of the impact of this bias, brief training can eliminate sex bias from the classroom, and increasing equity in the classroom increases teacher effectiveness. Includes 10…

Discusses the effect of race and sex bias on student achievement in science and mathematics. Evidence shows that differing expectations and treatment of students have an impact on achievement. Includes discussions of programs that have effectively increased certain groups' achievement levels. Includes 26 references. (MD)

Evaluates research on Black females and describes the findings on their achievement levels, expectations and motivations, educational and occupational attainment, socialization by parents, and teacher/student interactions. In the case of Black females the inequities caused by race and social class are as important to attend to as those fostered by…

In this interview Harold G. Shane reminisces about the changes in education since the 1930s. He also speculates about developments that may influence the direction of education in the next century. (MD)

In a somewhat "tongue-in-cheek" style, 10 rules are outlined to serve as a guide for college professors to follow to become successful academic "princes." The rules are based on Machiavelli's "The Prince." (MD)

The Supreme Court in December 1985 voted 9-0 reversing a lower court decision in the case of "Ewing vs. Board of Regents." Ewing, a medical student, appealed the medical school's decision to dismiss him. The Supreme Court found that "the decision was made conscientiously and with careful deliberation." This decision maintains the primacy of…

Describes The Council of Europe's recently produced booklet showing how it pursues its goals of European unity through educational activity. (MD)

Accompanied by 18 tables, this article compares a 1984 survey of Dade County (Florida) teachers' attitudes toward work and workplace with Dan Lortie's 1964 baseline study, "Schoolteacher." Demographically, today's teachers are older, more experienced, better-educated, and more ethnically diverse than their 1964 counterparts; they also express…

Analyzes findings of a 1984 teacher attitude survey (from Dade County, Florida) showing declining job satisfaction and extrinsic rewards for a more experienced, better-educated work force than 20 years ago. Examines factors damaging teacher status, including outmoded administrative structures limiting teacher participation. Suggests sharing and…

Introduces four articles based on an Education Commission of the States study that identified political and demographic elements interacting to improve schools and the states' role in the change process. Discusses several conditions critical to developing successful improvement programs, including political, monetary, and technical support. (MLH)

States have created two types of educational improvement programs: school-based programs (engaging local school people in planning, problem-solving, and implementing strategies) and instructionally focused programs for bettering teacher and administrator skills. Successful programs progress through initiation, implementation, and…

Examines schoolwide improvement programs initiated by four states. Describes successful endeavors of California, Ohio, and Colorado schools to improve curricula and student achievement and the Connecticut schools' strategy to improve principal-teacher communication. Attributes the success of these reform programs to solid leadership skills,…

Describes two Arkansas and Maryland elementary schools--studied by the Education Commission of the States--that developed effective instructional improvement programs despite minimal budget and staff. Concludes that state education agencies can significantly improve schools through training programs that transcend traditional teacher-administrator…

The Education Commission of the States has identified several crucial factors that ensure successful school improvement programs, including political support, pressure for improvement, belief in students' learning ability, high-quality programs, state-level implementation strategies, and adequate resources. State agencies must also promote school…