The author earned a physics degree in college and then failed to find a job in the aerospace industry. He writes of how he fell back on his training as an electrician for sustenance and from that extrapolates how the trades have become confused with work of the hands rather than of the mind. He uses the venerable debate between Booker T.…

There is no doubt but that the education realm is replete with silos of experts of one discipline or another whose knowledge and teachings do not normally crossover into others. Yet the Common Core's call for career and college readiness virtually requires such subject integration--especially between the disciplines we consider academic and those…

Case study of how a third-grade teacher in California allocates time among academic subjects, assessment, and social services. Finds there is not enough time to meet state academic standards. (PKP)

Too many high school teachers and administrators overlook non-college-bound students' needs. To prevent the United States from becoming a two-class society, high schools should adopt a bifurcated administrative structure with two major curriculum-planning divisions: one to prepare students for college and another to prepare students for community…

Discusses the importance of the good noninnovative'' high school in the educational system. (Author/DN)

Argues that identity-sensitive education, focused on improving students' attitudes and beliefs about their own learning, is essential for academic success. Describes three models of identity-sensitive education: charismatic teacher, "together we'll make it," and "intellectual hothouse." Identifies common characteristics of…

The diversified skills gained from various industrial arts classes are a significant asset to anyone operating a small business or seeking fulfillment as a human being. Sometime soon an "educational think tank" will rediscover the value of three-dimensional problem-solving skills for students desiring a sense of accomplishment or improved…

Education in the arts has the power to be intrinsically valuable and to help fulfill nonaesthetic, utilitarian goals. Art education can improve cognition, promote social relations, stimulate personal development, and foster citizen productivity. An examination of dance education shows at least 19 ways to connect dance to academics and the world of…

Because schools are staggering under responsibilities abdicated by family, community, church, and industry, they are failing to educate. Two schools are necessary: the academic school, with instruction devoted exclusively to the arts and sciences; and an afterhours parallel school providing sports and extracurricular activities, social services,…

All programs for the gifted and talented should incorporate visual and performing arts, so that students' natural interests and creative abilities are not stifled. Many gifted and talented high school students not classified as artistically talented can achieve in discipline-based curriculum areas stressing nondiscursive art-making activities.…

With the new Perkins Act, the federal government has forged a powerful tool for restructuring schools. By integrating academic and vocational education, teaching all aspects of an industry, and creating links to community economic development, schools can truly become more inclusive and democratic institutions. Includes six references. (MLH)

Inspired by teachers' concerns about the inadequacy of today's academic curriculum, this special section passes the buck up instead of down. Two articles explore what teachers might accomplish if no longer held captive by outmoded college admission requirements. Articles by education professors from Stanford University and the University of Oregon…

Research has demonstrated that small groups exert powerful emotional influence on members. Learning group effectiveness in American schools is hindered by groups' short-lived character. Article recommends that American educators stress group persistence by keeping discrete groups of students and teachers together over long time periods, reorganize…

University talent-search projects provide a viable model for schools' talent-development efforts. There are three critical elements: a flexible age-grade placement philosophy, a commitment to use tests to improve curriculum and instruction, and a strong support structure for teachers and administrators. Students must also develop appropriate…

Seeking to strengthen secondary education to improve academic preparation for college, the EQuality Project identifies and explains basic academic competencies: reading, writing, speaking, listening, mathematics, reasoning, and studying. (PB)