As new standards for students are taking effect, large disparities continue to exist in the educational opportunities available to rich and poor students in most states. These disparities are especially pronounced in California, where thousands of students attend school in dilapidated buildings, without textbooks, materials, or qualified teachers.…

The standards-based reform movement has led to increased emphasis on tests, coupled with rewards and sanctions, as the basis for accountability systems. These strategies have often had unintended consequences that undermine access to education for low-achieving students rather than enhancing it. This article argues that testing is information for…

Responds to an article that claims the National Commission on Teaching and America's future has misinterpreted research data and findings regarding reform of teacher preparation and licensing. The article responds to each charge, examines how the critique misinterprets research findings, and argues for professional teaching standards as a key…

This article explores the contributions of professionalism to school accountability in the context of a new phenomenon in American education: the professional development school. (IAH)

What constitutes good teaching is discussed in connection with the Holmes Group proposals for differentiated staffing. Professional development schools that support good teaching and good teacher education are recommended. (Author/MT)