Discussion of at-risk students focuses on the possible role of the school library in the prevention and reduction of dropouts. Topics discussed include locating relevant resources both within and external to the school; database searching; teaching information skills; integrating relevant materials into the curriculum; and making available…

This paper discusses the importance of helping at-risk students avoid dropping out of school by providing an appropriate curriculum for them. If school systems are to achieve greater educational success with at-risk students, they must move beyond traditional approaches. They can do this by: identifying and helping students who demonstrate little…

The conventional wisdom on how tomorrow's scientists are identified and trained in elementary and secondary schools is being questioned. The importance and reasons behind encouraging students to stay in science and mathematics are emphasized. (KR)

This collection of short articles, devoted to educational reform at the local level, addresses the issues of improving curricula, expanding educational resources, addressing dropout and discipline problems, and handling increased court involvement in school reform. "The Sceptre, the Rod and the Schoolhouse Gate," by Lawrence Friedman, traces the…

Describes ways in which instructional media and educational technology can be used to improve the attitudes and interest of at-risk students to help keep them in school. Topics discussed include curriculum development; hardware; software; flexible programs for dropouts; and programs for homebound students that use telecommunications networks. (LRW)

As a superintendent of the Bellevue School District, the author discusses the Bellevue School District's curriculum and its ongoing development. The mission of the Bellevue School District is to give every student the kind of education traditionally reserved for America's elite class or, stated another way, to give every student a first-rate,…

Unfocused general education should be eliminated in favor of tech prep/associate degree (TPAD) applied academics (along with college prep and vocational education). TPAD programs encourage potential dropouts to stay in school, prepare students for transfer to postsecondary education, and benefit students, employers, schools, colleges, communities,…

Flo Wiger, Chairperson, Department of American Indian Studies, University of Minnesota/Minneapolis, shares her experiences and views on Indian Education. Dropout rates; higher enrollment; more relevant curricula; increased Indian faculty and staff availability; and community, tribal, and governmental involvement are included. Educational change to…

The paper addresses issues concerning the future of special education with a focus on the mildly handicapped (MH). After an initial section presenting the particular frame of reference and philosophical biases underlying this presentation, recommendations are made for a possible agenda which addresses seven key areas in the field. Among…

Colleges and universities have failed to meet the unique educational needs of Native American students, whose attrition rates are far in excess of those of other students. These students must come to terms with their cultural identity while functioning within the culturally alien framework presented by the school. Federally funded programs have…

Contends that many problems facing Russian society are the results of serious neglect of secondary education. Reviews education in the former Soviet Union and in Russia since the USSR's breakup. Calls for extensive experimentation in curriculum development, teaching methods, and school management. (CFR)

This paper argues that programs for at-risk youth tend to overemphasize student adjustment and the mastery of institutional customs at the expense of instilling learning dispositions that might lead to the postsecondary educational training now required to find adequate adult employment. Programs often focus on drawing students into a more…

This paper suggests 15 steps school superintendents can take to help close the gap between the educationally disadvantaged and other student populations. Superintendents should do the following: (1) create a vision of what an achieving educational community is; (2) implement goals and strategies which create a positive educational climate; (3)…

During 1988-89, the Austin Independent School District's Title 7 program continued to supplement services through the locally funded bilingual and English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) programs to secondary students of limited English proficiency. The 1988-89 Title 7 evaluation report provides an overview of the programs's changes, staff training,…

An overview of innovative curriculum programs to increase student retention, with a focus on vocational instruction, is presented in this paper. The Pennsylvania Dauphin County Technical School is described, which utilizes a practical performance-oriented approach and individualized instruction in a vocation clusters system. The review of research…