A look at board members and the issues concerning boards of education as seen in the early days of the "Journal." (IRT)

International comparisons of academic achievement are faulted by methodological problems. U.S. schools are doing better in international comparisons than we have been led to believe. However, there are shortcomings. An education reform agenda needs to treat poor urban and rural schools as patients in an intensive-care ward. (MLF)

In response to two articles on animal rights, dissection, and the classroom that appeared in the January 1992 issue of this journal, an education specialist at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) argues against holding animals captive in schools. (MLF)

A number of research studies document the effectiveness of magnet schools--both in breaking down racial isolation and in providing high-quality education programs. However, according to Kimberly West, writing in the "Yale Law Journal,""many magnet schools are rife with racially segregated classrooms." (MLF)

Brief reviews of six notable education books selected by the editors of "American School Board Journal." Includes books such as Rachel Simmons's "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls," Jonathan Schorr's "Hard Lessons: The Promise of an Inner City Charter School," Peter Irons's "Jim Crow's Children: The Broken Promise of the…

Refutes an article that appeared in the August issue of "The American School Board Journal," which argued that middle-level education provides a rationale for consolidating rural schools. Presents research findings and describes the middle-level philosophy to show that developmentally responsive middle-level schools do not foster school…

Describes Homewood (Illinois) School District's involvement in Back-to-Back, an exchange program for American and French fifth and sixth graders sponsored by Campus International of Westmont (Illinois). Discusses preparations for the exchange, including student education about France and parent preparation to receive French students, and lists the…

Summarizes important education news in six sections, highlighting "main events" (from politics to privatization); (unfavorable) international comparisons of mathematics and science proficiency, reading literacy, and computer usage; common measures documenting kids' rising distress levels; school leaders' demographics and prime worries; rising…