Discusses state and federal efforts to improve the skills and knowledge of special-needs students, including opportunities to move to postsecondary education. Describes accommodations, measuring and reporting yearly progress, transitions, and cost. (PKP)

Discusses report on the reading, mathematics, and science performance of Canadian 15-year-olds on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Program for International Student Assessment in 1999. Reports equity outcomes (effect of socioeconomic status on performance) in Saskatchewan are better than in the other provinces or any of…

Describes study investigating why some academically able students attending "star" public high schools are rejected by selective colleges even though their SAT scores are often much higher than those admitted from other high schools. (PKP)

Describes how one elementary school's adoption of a character-education program significantly reduced student discipline problems. (PKP)

Argues for more responsible education accountability system. Builds on earlier work and presents alternative concepts that are more responsive to the purposes and functions of public schooling in a democratic society. Proposes ideas about good teaching and learning and the educational needs of students and their families, particularly in…

Introduces special section on the history, leadership, and policies of the U.S. Department of Education based on presentations by five (four former and the current) Secretaries of Education at the Duke University Education Leadership Summit, held in Durham, North Carolina, on February 2002. (PKP)

Briefly describes the history and current status of the U.S. Department of Education. (Contains 30 references.) (PKP)

Secretary of Education from 1979-81 under the Carter Administration describes formation and early years of the U.S. Department of Education; discusses current and future challenges facing public education; and offers some ideas to help meet these challenges, such as building new K-12 schools with day-care centers. (PKP)

Secretary of Education from 1988-90 under the Reagan and Bush Administrations describes efforts to establish national education performance goals and improve the academic performance of Hispanic Americans. Also discusses accountability, narrowing the achievement gap, balancing academic achievement with character education, and teacher education.…

Secretary of Education from 1991-93 under the Bush Administration describes the GI Bill for Kids, an unsuccessful effort to give $1,000 federal scholarships to middle- and low-income students, which their parents could use at any accredited public or nonpublic school. Argues that such a bill is needed now to help reduce inequalities in educational…

Secretary of Education from 1993-2001 under the Clinton Administration describes U.S. Department of Education efforts to increase academic standards in public schools, such as creating a workable accountability system, new pathways to college, and partnerships with state and local governments. Discusses the future of American education. (PKP)

Current Secretary of Education, appointed by President Bush in 2001, describes reasons for his appointment; congressional and administration efforts to pass Leave No Child Behind Act of 2001, a major federal legislative effort to reform American schools; and key provisions of the act. (PKP)

Former Governor of North Carolina describes his efforts to improve the state's education system, to make it "First in America." Describes five educational goals related thereto: A smart start, excellent teaching, safe schools, high student performance, and business, community, and family support. Discusses implications of new federal education…

Reviews Ridgewood, New Jersey, case wherein several parents claimed that school district's student survey violated students' privacy rights protected by the Constitution and two federal statutes: The Family Rights and Privacy Act and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. Discusses subsequent federal regulatory and state legislative action.…

Teacher educator returns to eighth-grade classroom. Despite student learning, realizes that something is missing from lesson plans: no relationship with the students. Makes conscious effort to improve relationship. Finds classroom teaching experience provides best education as teacher educator. Recommends that all teacher educators return to the…