Organizational expert, Jim Collins, is the author of "Good to Great" (2001) and "How the Mighty Fall" (2009) and coauthor of "Great by Choice" (2011). Collins also authored a monograph entitled, "Good to Great and the Social Sectors," and presented his findings at the 2007 NAIS Conference. Recently, Collins…

In this interview, Eve Wallwork, a junior at David W. Butler High School in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) School District, talks about her research project on the field of early language learning. Wallwork shares the most important findings of her research, the benefits of early language learning, and her plans in the future.

An author of a paper (EC 602 060) that presents two causal models of learning disabilities comments on his interest in the research, how the research design developed, limitations of the research, and the need for replication with other disability groups. (JDD)

The author discusses the 1966 Coleman Report and how its findings have been misinterpreted to leave the impression that schools are powerless to surmount socioeconomic disadvantage. She cites newer research, particularly Rutter's study of inner-city London secondary schools, which show that individual schools can and do make a difference.…

Comments on the educational quality indicators projects undertaken by Alberta school districts, noting their dependence on process-product research; inclusion of social and affective aspects of education; use of provincial achievement tests as indicators; and emphases on accountability, teacher collaboration, and professional development. (SV)

Reviews current activities of the Joint Council, among them, a researcher training institute, a new K-12 economic education scope and sequence document, a junior high level test of economic knowledge, an instructional package for advanced placement classes, a textbook conference, a project to help teachers of students who work with at-risk…

Argues that (1) the purposes of environmental education are socially transformative; (2) the dominant approach to research in the field is behaviorist and deterministic; and (3) the role the dominant behaviorist approach to research play in professional development needs to be critically examined. Outlines a current international project…

This paper describes the National Reading Research Center (NRRC), a federally funded center that intends to carry out research to discover what promotes readers' engagement in literacy activities, foster their critical thinking and strategic learning, and prepare them to meet the challenges of a technological age. The paper describes the mission…

After a brief examination of the concept of "quality of life," the paper explores research related to the concept in geography, the environmental education movement, and problems involved in implementing relevant programs. It is suggested that "quality of life" is a shifting concept. At a basic level it is concerned with conditions that make…

Through the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), the government seeks to develop quality teaching techniques and encourage school districts across the country to adopt the most successful of them. However, in light of OERI's potential to contribute significantly to the quality of the nation's…

"A Study of Schooling" surveyed principals, teachers, parents, and students and observed 1,016 classes in 38 schools. Themes arising from the data involve how teachers teach, what is taught, goals and expectations assigned schools, and difficulties in changing teaching methods. A followup article will appear in the journal's April issue.…

Discusses the variability in quality of historical sites due to differences in the accuracy of their restoration, reconstruction, location, and/or refurnishing. Distinguishes between preservation and restoration/reconstruction of buildings. Provides a checklist of questions which will help teachers evaluate the quality of potential sites. (AEM)

Briefly discusses several applications for databases in elementary and secondary English classrooms, including research projects, book reviews, electronic mail, and poetry, and presents evaluation criteria for teachers trying to decide which database is best for their classrooms. (MBR)

Traditionally, environmental education has been taught from a technocratic rationality, marked by a dominant and almost blind faith in the capacities and qualities of science rather than considering political and sociological factors. Describes international projects that are community based and action oriented and that incorporate aspects of…

Applaudes National Art Education Association research efforts, but suggests that a major weakness in the program, and in art education in general, is the lack of a distinct philosophy of art education. Criticizes art-education researchers' over-reliance on theoretical authorities from outside of the field and neglect of their own experiences. (DSK)