A growing number of children are entering kindergarten without the skills that enable them to be successful in an academic setting. However, it is not children's cognitive skills that concern educators; it is their social and emotional skill deficits that are most troublesome. This article discusses how family and community risk factors can…

This article examines ways in which state departments of education can ensure that students who are incarcerated receive needed educational services. Guidelines for collaboration among agencies include sharing information and resources and making full commitment to the partnership. A checklist fosters self-evaluation by state departments of…

This paper describes the distinct strengths and weaknesses of special education in rural schools and discusses issues regarding rural education reform recommendations, such as inadequate resources, parental involvement, and use of rigidly interpreted performance standards. Preventive service delivery systems are recommended, and several policy…

This article explores current educational reform initiatives as they relate to curriculum and assessment, programs for at-risk students, collaborative schools, and the regular education initiative. Implications for teacher preparation include the need for defining the knowledge base, designing alternative program models, and developing exemplary…

The paper challenges teachers to creatively use current educational reforms and challenges reformers to consider seven questions concerning the effect of proposed reforms on the emotional atmosphere of schools, student attitudes toward learning, student feelings toward self, teachers' creativity, student needs, and nonmainstream students. (DB)