An increasingly important element of the learning journey for children around the world is the vital role school libraries play in supporting literacy, health, and wellbeing, as well as improving attainment across the curriculum. The Scottish Government established the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) administered by the Scottish Library and…

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act is currently being reviewed in Congress for reauthorization. NCLB, among the most significant U.S. education initiatives, reauthorized the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act and is founded on four primary objectives: (1) increasing accountability for states, school districts, and schools; (2) giving…

Reviews research on the effects of grade retention and discusses two models for making decisions about promotion. Concludes that neither grade retention nor social promotion necessarily solves the academic difficulties of low-achieving students. Discusses possibilities for altering existing curriculum, teaching, and learning. (CB)

Presents an Association for Childhood Education International statement on the use of corporal punishment in child care, schools, and other educational settings. Statement presents evidence in support of the association's position that such practices must be banned. Suggestions are made regarding the resolution of this problem. (BB)

Describes the history, recommendations, and impact of "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform," the report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education. Discusses broad recommendations regarding the curriculum; standards and expectations for students; time devoted to learning; the status of the teaching…

Discusses the 1983 "A Nation at Risk" report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education in terms of the history of schooling in the U.S. from the late 1890s to the present. Questions the materialistic emphasis of the commission's definitions of the purposes of education and of the "national interest." (CB)

Discusses the theme of a "learning society" mentioned in the 1983 "Nation at Risk" report of the National Commission on Excellence in Education but not integrated into the report's recommendations. Reflects on problems of definition of lifelong learning, articulation of educational goals, and responsibility for setting goals…

Argues that, despite the plethora of federal, state, and local policies that now affect children, there is not (and never has been) a conscious national policy toward them except one: that all children should attend school until a state-mandated age. Offers, from the perspective of private education, nine recommendations for creating an…

Criticizes the use of corporal punishment in schools and argues that the schools should instead encourage the most advanced and effective methods of child management. (Author/MP)

Supports year-round education in lieu of the traditional, agricultural economy-based school calendar, noting the advantages for teachers, students, and administrators. Describes one school's implementation experiences over several years. Includes detailed discussions of the single-track calendar, child care before and after school, intersession…

Noting that today's economic, social, and scientific problems require creative solutions, points out the need for creative talent. Discusses how current thinking and educational practices in this country do little to encourage the development of creative individuals. Suggests that concentrating on developing the potential of each individual would…

Examines the advantages and disadvantages of African-American male-only classes and schools, which are staffed mainly by African-American male teachers. Focuses on attempts to create such institutions in Detroit, Baltimore, Milwaukee, and Dade County, Florida. (MDM)

Presents the Comer Model as one way to educate immigrant students. Details model components: parent team, school planning and management team, school staff support team, school improvement plan, staff development, assessment and modification, and guiding principles of collaboration, consensus, and no fault. Asserts that the program can help…

Describes four Australian initiatives that incorporate nontraditional approaches to education: (1) multiple and flexible pathways; (2) virtual schools; (3) workplace-based learning convergence; and (4) community of knowledge builders. Asserts that the particulars of these four initiatives can offer important points to the discussion about broader…