This article describes kindergarten from the perspective of the whole child. Specifically, it reviews current research on best practices to improve children's math and language arts competencies, memory skills, and the role of kindergarten in beginning science. It also describes the social experiences children have in kindergarten with respect to…

If state leaders invest resources and energy wisely, they don't have to choose between excellence and equity. They can improve overall teacher quality and remedy the shameful inequities in access to the single most valuable resource in education--effective teachers. This paper outlines ten steps state policymakers and school district leaders can…

This handbook presents various approaches to a strategic planning model, using the Matrix as a planning tool. The Matrix is an instrument for focusing, summarizing, and addressing achievement issues. Part 1, "Windows on Planning," discusses planning and minority students, avoiding pitfalls, distinguishing planning processes, planning for…

To improve basic skills in a New Jersey school district, Outcome-Based Education was introduced. Six years later, students' basic skills scores have risen above the national norms. (MD)

The underrepresentation in gifted programs of students who are members of minority or other groups warrants increased attention from educators. With the continuing quest for both equity and excellence in public education, there is a renewed interest in ensuring the participation of minority students in gifted programs and in bridging the gap…

Discusses the national trend toward full-day kindergarten scheduling and a 2-year experiment involving alternate-day and half-day programs in Pasco, Washington. Early findings show no significant differences in children's achievement, classroom study habits, or social skills. Poor and minority children benefit from increased conversational…

Summarizes 15 years of National Assessment of Educational Progress data on reading and writing in elementary schools. While reading performance has improved over the 1971-1984 period for black and Hispanic 9- and 13-year-olds and for younger disadvantaged children, writing results are less encouraging. Effective writing instruction may require…

The large achievement gap between white and minority children cannot be bridged by only improving schools. The factors which need to be looked into are health need of the children, providing stable housing to low-income families and increasing the number of professional caregivers during the out-of- school hours.

Comments on the author's participation in the Elementary Education Study Group and on United States Secretary of Education William J. Bennett's 1986 report, "First Lessons." Praises Bennett's appreciation of poor families' efforts to help educate their children and his call for more challenging curriculum content and higher academic…

Describes one family's unsuccessful experience with a minority student in a foster home situation. Schools are not equipped to handle the special problems of certain students who make up a large percentage of the dropout population. (MD)

Conversations with 15 Black students attending predominantly White schools, about their teachers, other students, and their textbooks, reveal 8 patterns of racism that are common in schools at all grade levels. (MLF)

Describes the parent and community involvement project at the David A. Ellis School in Roxbury (MA), which includes a Parent Center within the school, field trips, tutoring assistance by university students, and ESL and GED classes for parents. (DM)

A review of changing attitudes of library directors toward children's services shows parallels between the rhetoric of 100 years ago and that of today. Library directors interviewed believe children's services are essential to public library survival, the library's critical outreach arm, and dependent on multitalented, politically astute…

While many poor people of color have not really benefited from antipoverty and antidiscrimination programs, substantial gains in educational access have been achieved. Educators need to redefine objectives to improve minority children's education, focusing on language skills and character development appropriate to a diverse, multicultural…

Carpinteria High School, California, has restructured its educational program to meet the needs of an increasing number of Mexican immigrant students. Making minority students feel that they are part of their school included getting the students involved in school activities, enlisting a parent support group, and rewarding students for good…