School improvement efforts often focus on students who perform below grade level. These improvement efforts typically focus on improving instruction, often through a framework and professional development. The question remains, how do students who are gifted and talented respond to this type of instruction? We observed 48 students in their…

In 2002, Early College High Schools Initiative became a reality across the United States for students and educators looking for ways to improve student graduation rates, college attendance, and overall student achievement. This mixed method case study found that (a) the early college high school environment supported the academic success of…

An "inquiry school" is described here as one undergoing renewal by systematically inquiring into its behavior and purposes. Both teaching and administration are open to challenge. The writer discusses several factors critical to developing simultaneous challenge and trust among all segments of a school's population. (Editor)

This mixed-methods study focuses on school improvement planning in middle schools in east Tennessee. Utilizing the improvement plans of 17 middle schools and surveys that were administered to 493 teachers and 35 administrators, this study found that there was (A) an overemphasis on academic goals, (B) an overreliance on the use of…

Chairman presents highlights of several of the Commission on the Reform of Secondary Education's positions, including teacher training, rank-in-class, the Carnegie Unit, and alternatives. (GB)

The theory of human relationships as set forth in Thomas Harris' book "I'm OK - You're OK" can be applied in schools, says this author. He tells how teachers can help humanize education through the Child, Adult, Parent positions. (Editor)

The governor of Tennessee describes five major ruts educators can fall into that prevent the possibility for educational reform. He points out that a few common-sense goals and a willingness to try something new can improve anything, even education. (MD)

Principals who see themselves as instructional leaders should not depend on outside stimuli for the impetus to improve science curricula. (Editor)

Summarizes a report published by the NASSP Study of the Restructuring of the American High School. Outlines nine educational goals and recommendations on renewal priorities for curriculum, instructional strategies, school environment, technology, organization and time, assessment and accountability, professional development, diversity, governance,…

Year-round education is doomed to fail, believes this educator. She feels that 12 months of the same kind of schooling we are offering today will only extend our existing problems. (Editor)

The governor of Virginia presents proposed changes that should occur in education. He believes public policy about education must be articulated and that the priority of education should be clearly established among services offered by state government. (MD)

Non-threatening strategies for setting up an alternative school are discussed here. An alternative school is more likely to succeed if certain critical factors are observed, says this principal. (Editor)

Presents findings from the Research for Better Schools study of the 571 secondary schools that the United States Department of Education has chosen as "successful" schools demonstrating excellence. The study found that the formula is fairly simple and includes, clear goals, high expectations, and hard work. (MD)

In response to an interviewer's questions, internationally recognized educator Benjamin S. Bloom states his beliefs about the effectiveness of proposed educational reforms and argues for increased experimentation, greater stress on higher mental processes, the adoption of mastery learning, new research efforts, and more effective commitment to…