Research on effective Chapter One programs shows that comprehensive classroom programs and intensive supplementary programs have the greatest potential for improving achievement of at-risk students. Proposes that part of the funding in Chapter One programing go to research. Includes five tables. (MD)

Reviews recent studies of school reform and finds no common answer for how schools should implement change. Looks at a study of three improving school districts, another study of 15 elementary and middle school principals, and the theories of three prominent leaders in instructional practices. (MD)

Reviews school-business collaborations in 23 large cities and 85 public school districts from the perspective of superintendents and business leaders. Discusses business' goals and what is involved in business-school partnerships. (MD)

Retention practices are poorly documented yet the most comprehensive research on retention (Holmes and Mathews) shows that children who repeat a grade make less progress than similar children who are promoted. Explores the contradiction existing between school reform policy and actual retention practice. (MD)

Evaluates the Supreme Court's decisions relating to education during the past few years and the effect that the retirement of Justice Lewis Powell will have on the balance of the Supreme Court. Discusses nominee Robert Bork and his possible effect if he becomes a member of the Supreme Court. (MD)

Studies of the validity of principals' ratings of teachers show there is little correlation with student achievement. Reviews of research show considerable weakness in the research designs of these studies. Outlines results from a new study with no weaknesses in design. (MD)

This principal developed a collaborative teacher evaluation process that is based on an evaluation procedure with clearly defined school goals and performance objectives. (MD)

Outlines a principal evaluation program developed for Lewisville, Texas, that uses a questionnaire covering the eight areas originally included on the principal evaluation form. The principals are evaluated from their answers to the questionnaire. (MD)

A retired principal develops a very short book (six sentences long) on educational administration. (MD)

Describes the successful teacher collaboration project at the Institute for Research on Teaching (IRT) at Michigan State University. Teachers collaborate with researchers on educational research projects. While the costs are high, the benefits are substantial to both teachers and researchers. (MD)

A teacher describes the four-year bureaucratic maze she went through to rectify a problem with the lack of proper toilet paper dispensers in the women teachers' bathroom of a brand new school. (MD)

Efforts to involve low income parents in their children's education over the past 20 years suggest that improvement occurs as a result of some element of pressure and support that takes into account the parents' schedule and needs. Teachers and administrators must also be motivated to try new strategies. Includes references. (MD)

Proposes that the illiteracy problem should be addressed by encouraging children's love of reading while they are developing reading skills. Analyzes why current programs are ineffective and recommends following the approach of the "Open Sesame Program" in New York City, which employs creative methods to teach English to Spanish-speaking…

Analyzes the extent of adult illiteracy in the United States and identifies the major problems and needs found in the literature and in interviews with adult learners. Recommends ways to improve educational efforts and discusses what is known about effective adult literacy programs. (CJH)

Relates individual student experiences to illustrate that many poor readers are dropouts of programs requiring strongly analytic/auditory reading styles. Recommends adopting the "whole-language" approach for today's global learners. Uses research findings to outline instructional methods that match students' reading styles. (CJH)