Describes features of excellent mathematics department in California high school serving multiethnic, low-income students. Explores reasons why these low-income students outperform students from wealthier school districts on independently designed mathematics tests, but have significantly lower SAT-9 mathematics scores than students in other high…

Argues that New Hampshire high-stakes test administered at the end of the third grade is flawed and thus should be discontinued because the questions are not only too abstract, but beyond the knowledge and experience of most third graders. (Contains 23 references.) (PKP)

Draws parallel between 18th century British scientists unwillingness to recognize a non-scientist's discovery of how to determine longitude at sea with New York education leaders current unwillingness to consider alternatives to high-stakes testing. (PKP)

Describes Nebraska's School-based Teacher-led Assessment and Reporting System (STARS), a criterion-referenced assessment system that measures school and district performance over time. (PP)

Describes a 10-point parent teacher conference checklist to help create a positive environment and enhance communications. Includes discussion of following topics: invitation techniques, pleasant encounters, pertinent information, positive interaction, preparation activities, good communication, participation and involvement, planning for the…

Argues that while education is essential for democracy, democracy is also essential for education. Thus, the teaching of democratic values should form the foundation of the education curriculum, the object of which is to encourage individual choices, experiences, and empowerment thereby achieving a continued capacity for growth. (Contains 23…

Principal shares lessons and insights with beginning principals. Discusses differences between principals and assistant principals, staff relationships, competition for resources, giving and receiving loyalty, identifying and following a moral compass. (PKP)

Describes an innovate approach to teaching high school French using something called the box of mysteries. (PKP)

Provides educators information about the purchase of textbooks and curriculum materials, including what educators should know about publishers. Offers ten recommendations to improve the acquisition of curriculum materials and textbooks. For example, plot a time line, involve the right people, identify the problem areas, match new curriculum…

Describes the potential role a consortium of state universities can play in support of charter schools. (PKP)

Elementary teacher describes approach to teaching his student manners, especially those with behavior problems. (PKP)

Discusses major findings and recommendations in recent report entitled "Aboriginal Education in Winnipeg Inner City High Schools," published by the Manitoba branch of the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives. (PKP)

Discusses recent report by Tom Loveless with the Brookings Institution entitled "How Well Are American Students Learning?" The report examines, among other things, the relationship between school district achievement in sports and academic success. (PKP)

Analyzes federal district court case involving legal action against certain companies that produced violent video games, a violent motion picture, or maintained pornographic websites. Parents of three Kentucky high school students shot and killed by another student who regularly viewed the aforementioned material brought suit. The court dismissed…

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