Elementary charter schools increasingly serve students who are at-risk for reading challenges, giving them a critical role in establishing literacy for young children. This article examines the complexities of starting early childhood literacy programs in charter schools. Specifically, the first year of K-3 literacy programs in a new and a…

Outlines a step-by-step plan from individual assessment to program evaluation for a total enrichment program which is designed to nurture the gifts and talents of every school child and can be implemented in the regular classroom setting. (RH)

A program allowing all students (including 135 students with disabilities) at 1 urban elementary school to participate in an enrichment activity on Friday afternoons is described. Information on activity selection, program organization, materials, community involvement, student leadership, goals, and student reactions is provided. (DB)

A compendium of practical information about Australia's Writers/Illustrators in Schools programs, this booklet, compiled in consultation with authors, illustrators, and organizers, strives to smooth the way for both visitors and schools in the challenge of helping children to enjoy books and writing. Pertinent quotes from authors and artists who…

Suggests how to develop a successful elementary school waste reduction program. Discusses motivation for waste reduction activities, tools for ongoing education and motivation, and program benefits. Vignette provides an activity on planning a waste-free lunch. (MCO)

The principal of Grafflin Elementary School describes how staff, parents, and students worked together to build a school greenhouse. He explains how PTA cooperation was secured, money was raised, construction accomplished, and how the facility is used by each grade. Also provided are classroom gardening tips and a booklist. (SJL)

To create a feeling of school unity and to reinforce the concept of human interdependence, the teachers of Friends' Central School planned Project Terra, a six-week school-wide activity. With the school viewed as a mythical planet, classes designed their own cultures and interacted as nations. (SJL)

Describes the planning and implementation of a science week intended to raise the awareness of science in an elementary school. Educational requirements included exciting science happenings and concentrated science teaching of a high standard. The week included demonstrations, guest speakers, and schoolwide assemblies. Demonstrations included the…

This publication shares ideas, exemplary programs, resources, and schools involved in the 1993-1994 EARTH FOREVER program sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education. Educators and students are challenged to plan activities and develop similar Earth Action Guardian Leadership Experiences (EAGLE) programs. Sixteen elementary, middle, and high…

This report examines the effectiveness of elementary school-based family literacy programs and describes the first year evaluation of a middle-school-based family literacy program in Baltimore, Maryland. In section one it reviews the literature on adult education and early childhood intervention and proposes a hypothesis of the broad pathways by…

Designed as the first in a proposed set of three documents to be used to review elementary school programs in California, this guide describes the quality criteria used to judge program effectiveness for students. Criteria for a quality school program are provided in 13 areas: reading; written language; school effectiveness; special needs; oral…

Describes a 4-week multidisciplinary unit built around intensive study of a historical period, used in grades 3-5 at Pepperell Intermediate Schools, in Opelika, Alabama. Students experience U.S. history at a five-day fair where periods on history have been recreated. Describes planning for American Heritage Week, the Village Fair, and field trips.…