Discusses results of dissertation on the study of classroom projects on family history in secondary schools. Draws implications for practice. (PKP)

Asserts that to improve student achievement, teachers must have more quality time to teach and students to learn. Recommends several time-related changes in public schools, such as allowing time for indepth learning, investigation, and contemplation by narrowing the scope of the curriculum and lengthening time blocks. (PKP)

Provides a brief overview of the current status of class-size reduction programs; summarizes research that has moved districts and states to seek class-size reduction; calls attention to the misapplication of the research in some contexts; discusses questions about smaller classes that remain unanswered; describes current research into the…

Describes Illinois case involving the expulsion of five students for a gang-related brawl at a high school football game in Decatur. Students brought suit against the school district claiming violation of their 14th Amendment right to procedural due process. Both the federal district court and court of appeals rejected the students' claim.…

Compares state policies with accountability provisions of the newly reauthorized Elementary and Secondary Education Act. (PKP)

Discusses Nebraska case involving efforts by parents to seek redress in federal court for their emotionally impaired daughter's difficulties with her band teacher; the parents claimed violation of the 14th Amendment, federal disabilities statutes, and state common law. Explains why the federal district court and Eighth Circuit rejected the…

Elliot Eisner, Lee Jacks Professor of Education and Art, Stanford University, imparts his thoughts about the salient features of schools he believes America needs, for example, having principals spend about one-third of their time in the classroom. (PKP)

Describes the characteristics, benefits, and common elements of place-based education. Identifies five thematic patterns: cultural studies, nature studies, real-world problem solving, internships and entrepreneurial opportunities, and induction into community processes. (Contains 16 references.) (PKP)

Describes the adverse impact of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System high-stakes testing on the unique educational environment of the Boston Arts Academy. (PKP)

Argues that standardized testing may eliminate inquiry-based science education. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Describes the use of manipulatives to introduce elementary students to concepts of geometry. (Contains 11 references.) (PKP)

Discusses some of the challenges presented by standards-based reform, problems in designing accountability policies that serve learning, creation of fair and equitable accountability systems, standards-based initiatives that serve teaching and learning, and support for teachers and high-quality teaching. (Contains 22 references.) (PKP)

Asserts that schools are not taking advantage of computer technology to improve student learning. Argues that schools must alter basic practices (just as businesses did) to take full advantage of computerized education. Provides examples of how some schools have taken advantage of the interactive power of the computer. (PKP)

Argues that efforts to implement and integrate improvement efforts face a paradox. Although many improvement initiatives can provide some of the inspiration, resources, and expertise that can help build schools' capacity to change, implementing those initiatives can bring new demands, requirements, and costs that school do not always have the…

Advises readers to exercise caution when interpreting the results of so-called"classic studies," such as Hawthorne study; discusses results of study by Jaekyung Lee published in the January/February 2002 issue of "Educational Researcher" that found the achievement gap between white students and black and Hispanic students widened in the 1990s…