Third International Mathematics and Science Study 1999 Video Study finds that high performance on international tests is not sufficiently defined learning goal to determine selection of teaching methods and that how the features of teaching are implemented defines nature of classroom practices. Suggests that core of teacher learning must focus on…

To increase citizen participation in local public schools, calls for boards of education to be replaced with local school councils. (PKP)

Summarizes studies of three preschool education programs. Finds strong evidence that high-quality day care produces long-term outcomes. Cost-benefit analysis of three programs concludes that benefits exceed costs. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

Describes myths surrounding writing for publication in professional journals. Provides advice on how to write successfully for publication. Biennial survey of professional journals includes information on refereed and research status, use of themed issues, rejection rates, turnaround times, electronic submission, and communicating with editors.…

Discusses results of International Association for Evaluation of Educational Achievement's recent Progress in Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), an international comparison of 35 countries wherein American students finished ninth. The web address for the PIRLS reports is www.pirls.org. (PKP)

Analyzes California case ("Newdow v. U.S. Congress") involving Constit utional challenge to the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance wherein the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the phrase violated the Establishment Clause requiring state-church separation. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Introduces special section on democracy and civic engagement containing a series of articles arguing for the importance to a democratic society of continuing to emphasize the teaching of civics in schools. (Contains 12 references.)(PKP)

Offers five propositions to help schools prepare students to participate equally in a democratic society: Schools need focus; one size does not fit all; a democratic school culture would have lots of human interaction; forms of governance would differ, too; and reform consistent with democracy takes time. Describes how several exemplary schools…

Calls for the revival of the Freedom Schools established in Mississippi in 1964. Freedom Schools, developed for African American students by the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, contained a citizenship component that included, for example, an emphasis on black history and the freedom movement. Describes several current citizenship…

Asserts that young people today are less knowledgeable and engaged in civic life than parents and grandparents. Blames schools for failing to transmit civic knowledge to students. Discusses why civic knowledge matters in a democratic society. Describes characteristics of an effective approach to civic education. (PKP)

Describes common curricular components of 10 education programs to teach students democratic citizenship. Highlights characteristics of three programs: a high school government course, a college-level program, and an adult education program. Describes three broad priorities of successful programs: commitment, capacity, and connection. Includes a…

Reports results of the 35th annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll of the public's attitudes toward the public schools, focusing this year on the No Child Left Behind Act. (PKP)

Highlights several findings of the 35th annual Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll the have strong policy implications for the public schools. Categories include grading the public schools, No Child Left Behind Act, teachers and teacher salaries, the achievement gap, and school choice. (PKP)

Analyzes research on the impact of summer setback on the reading achievement gap between rich students and poor students. Draws implications for education reform efforts focused on closing the reading achievement gap. (Contains 43 references.)(PKP)

Describes the integration of a Walkabout program into the curriculum of a charter middle school in Chico, California. The Walkabout program provides a structure that enables students to make decisions about their learning based on personal needs and interest. (PKP)