Home-school partnerships improve academic achievement but can also widen the gap in performance related to social class. Educators can learn to adapt outreach policies to the values of working class families. (MD)

The author discusses the components of effective volunteer programs describing different programs throughout the country. She points out that such programs should be carefully planned and placed within the existing school system. (MD)

Discussing Piaget's theory of developmental stages, the author presents the theory of autonomy. He feels that, if applied by educators as a fundamental reexamination of educational objectives, it could revolutionize education. (MD)

A teacher discusses the transition from building-level autonomy to unilateral decision making by the central office in her school district. She points out how this change became a step backward for the school. (MD)

Five characteristics of schools that effectively teach self-discipline are discussed in this article. These schools do not rely on power or punitive models to enforce discipline but share decision making and maintain a positive school climate. (MD)

More than 120 nations have Fulbright agreements with the United States. The program, now 36 years old, is intended to increase understanding between nations and foster peaceful communication and discussion among people of the world. (MD)

The history of attitudes toward homework is reviewed, as well as research about homework. New findings reveal that homework improves achievement. The author provides suggestions and cautions in assigning homework. (MD)

Jesse Vail sued an Illinois board of education in federal court over a contract dispute. The court awarded Vail damages, the decision was upheld on appeal, and the U.S. Supreme Court will be reviewing the decision in 1984. (MD)

Some Canadian teachers play a special role in developing the teaching profession internationally. They participate in helping teachers in developing countries and promoting understanding worldwide. (MD)

In South Carolina a practicum-based copperative internship program for potential administrators has been developed. It gives students a unique opportunity to put into practice administrative concepts. (MD)

Examining recent claims that American schools inadequately prepare students in science and mathematics, the author argues that such claims are exaggerated and misleading and may lead to undesirable tradeoffs in the areas of curriculum, school finance, and social opportunity. (JBM)

Summarizes findings of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on reading, mathematics, science, writing, high and low achievers, race, types of schools, and geographic regions and affirms the potential of American education to solve its own problems with government assistance at the federal level. (JBM)

Compares and contrasts the descriptions of American schools and recommendations for school reform in major reports of the 1970s and 1980s and discusses a number of educational issues, including curriculum, teachers and teaching, school administration, academic standards, school climate and environment, and education in and out of school. (JBM)

"A Nation at Risk" is only one of a number of recent major reports on educational reform that, contrary to popular opinion, do not necessarily share its major premises and conclusions. The report's emphasis on rigor and excellence threatens to increase the dropout rate and impose uniformity on American students. (JBM)

Arguing that recent proposals for educational reform will at best only patch up the present system without bringing about the fundamental changes necessary, the author outlines a new design dividing up American schooling into two components: (1) a required core of basic education courses and (2) elective community education courses. (JBM)