In this article, Sonia Nieto, professor of language, literacy, and culture, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and Patrick M. Jenlink, editor of "Teacher Education & Practice," engage in conversation focused on the meaning and importance of affirming diversity in schools. Dr. Nieto has taught students at all levels, from elementary grades…

Many states, including Texas, use alternative certification programs to address projected teacher shortages and recruit highly qualified individuals into the teaching profession. Texas's State Board for Educator Certification has developed a framework of assumptions to facilitate the design of a system to ensure that all educators are recruited,…

Reviews the history of charter laws since the first charter law was passed in 1991, examining the implementation of charter schools in California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Texas. The paper delineates issues and concerns and suggests educational practices within charter schools which are pertinent to the successful reinvention of public schools in…

As public schools are failing inner-city children, school choice offers a promising solution. This paper presents research that shows how school choice (public, private, or parochial) has a positive effect on minority, inner city children, noting that school choice is the only reform mechanism that would offer schools immediate and measurable…

Examines the concept of charter schools, their appeal to reformers, and the resistance to their implementation. The paper describes seven key components essential to creating charter schools, presenting examples that illustrate their impact on potential charter schools. Forces impeding the long-term success of the charter-school movement are…

Recent statistics suggest that equal educational opportunities for many students (e.g., students who are poor, disabled, or minorities) remain elusive. To handle the growing student diversity, educators must infuse multicultural education, instruction, evaluation, and support services into the school setting. Achieving a meaningful comprehensive…