Argues that educators must "think outside the box" to improve school performance. Suggests several areas for expanded thought, including school size, curriculum coverage, grading practices, use of time, organization of students, time management, and belief statement. (PKP)

Describes visit to Summerhill, an innovative school developed by A.S. Neill. (PKP)

Argues that identity-sensitive education, focused on improving students' attitudes and beliefs about their own learning, is essential for academic success. Describes three models of identity-sensitive education: charismatic teacher, "together we'll make it," and "intellectual hothouse." Identifies common characteristics of three models. Also…

Argues that current efforts to close achievement gap in mathematics between underrepresented minority students and white students are inadequate. Suggests that to close achievement gap greater effort must be made to train and hire quality teachers with pedagogical content knowledge. (Contains 14 references.) (PKP)

Describes 16-week intergenerational computer tutoring program in two replacement language-arts classes called Ambassadors of the Computer Age. Special-needs middle-school students improved their language-arts skills while teaching older adults how to use computer technology. (PKP)

Asserts younger children spend too much time playing video games and accessing the Internet. Describes harmful effects. Cites advice from experts to restrict computer and Internet use. Advises parents and teachers to be more diligent in supervising children's use of information technology. (Contains 17 references.) (PKP)

Uses reading-guide pyramid based on U.S. Department of Agriculture's food-guide pyramid to develop argument that new federal guidelines for scientific-based research will result in an unbalanced, phonics-rich approach to reading instruction. Argues for a balanced approach that includes comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and phonics. (PKP)

Describes corporate-derived teaching strategy called lesson study wherein teachers work to develop lessons, observe each other teaching lessons to see how they work, and then suggest lesson refinements. Provides examples of corporate change efforts (one successful, one not) and implications thereof for education. Evaluates two lesson-study…

Advocates extra time between kindergarten and the first grade for academically and socially immature children to acquire learning skills and develop positive self-esteem. Includes three case studies of former transitional class students. (PKP)

Analyzes Arkansas case wherein the Eighth Circuit held 6-5 that letter written by seventh-grade student threatening violence against his former girl friend was not protected by the First Amendment even though a friend took the letter from student's home without his knowledge and gave it to the girl. Upheld board's decision to expel student.…

Discusses age differences in public attitudes toward public schools from recent Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup poll. For example, the biggest problem facing schools identified by those 50 and older is discipline, whereas those between 18 and 29 identified finance. Both age groups strongly support public schools. (PKP)

Reviews two recent books on different aspects of socioeconomic-status-based inequalities in the school readiness of children entering kindergarten: Lee and Burkam's "Inequality at the Starting Gate" and Coley's "An Uneven Start: Indicators of Inequality in School Readiness." Also discusses "America's Children: Key National Indicators of Well-Being…

Describes issues related to use of scientifically based research methodology such as randomized experiments in future educational research sponsored by the Institute of Education Sciences. (PKP)

Describes research reports dealing with child nutrition and efforts to improve it through state and federal sponsorship of school breakfast and lunch programs for poor children, the reduction of fat and sugar in school lunches, and banning the sale of "junk food" at school. (PKP)

Describes national study of the attitudes and behaviors of middle and high school students who use the Internet. Finds that Internet-savvy students use the Internet as a virtual book and reference library, a tutor and study shortcut, a study group, a guidance counselor, and a locker, backpack, and notebook. Offers several explanations about the…