A new RAND Corporation study shows that voluntary summer programs can benefit children from low-income families, particularly those with high attendance. Programs studied in five school districts had several elements in common: a mix of academics and enrichment activities, certified teachers, small class sizes, full-day programming provided five…

The authors argue that the prospect of performance can motivate students to learn. He uses a study of the Above and Beyond program at a K-5 school, where students appeared to be more interested in their subjects and learn more effectively when given the opportunity to display or perform in front of an audience.

In 1995, Public Agenda and the Institute for Educational Leadership joined forces to develop a means for citizens, community leaders, and educators to hold public conversations on issues facing America's schools. Conversations help community members build common ground for improving schools. Success hinges on credible local sponsors, group…

The student-run Come, Care, Communicate Center at North Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana, brings adult visitors into the school during the noon hour and exposes students to a broader understanding of the adult world. (Author/IRT)

A special program at Seton Hall University includes parents of Upward Bound students in university classes. (IRT)

Describes a program in which parents were included in the selecting of teachers. Argues that the benefits of such a program outweigh the problems. (IRT)

The Thaler System encompasses economic incentives for students and an extensive student government system that includes a legal system. (IRT)

Describes the San Jose (California) Teacher Involvement Project which included teachers in building-level decision making on instructional matters. (IRT)

Describes the processes involved when a class of fourth graders makes a film. (IRT)

Describes the implementation of a token economy as a method of controlling student behavior in an elementary school. Emphasizes student participation and discusses board issues such as teacher resistance to the program and the question of evaluation. (IRT)

Describes the Organization, Research, Presentation, Accountability (ORPA) teaching approach that involves students in all phases of learning. Results of comparisons of student achievement in classes using the ORPA method and the lecture method are included. (IRT)

In reaffirming "The Declaration of Principles" from a 1995 meeting, the Corporation for National Service and the U.S. Department of Education have pledged their commitment to service as a means of improving schools, enhancing student achievement, and meeting citizenship challenges. Programs exemplifying six service-learning principles…

Describes a program in which student leaders were trained to help change the climate of an urban high school. (IRT)

Describes the process by which a small elementary system (Windsor, Connecticut) combined Individually Guided Instruction and open education. (Author)

After many efforts to lift the achievement of its high numbers of culturally and linguistically diverse students, a district in Massachusetts realized that the missing link was parent involvement. In this article, the author describes a program the district created to improve relationships between teachers and families and the enormous difference…