This meta-analysis of 14 studies examines the relationship between abstinence-only programs and the sexual behavior and--attitudes of urban students from middle school to early in college. The results indicate a significant relationship between abstinence-only programs and the outcomes examined. Abstinence-only programs, as a whole, were…

HEAT, an instructional program emphasizing a nontraditional hands-on approach to algebraic instruction for urban, predominantly African American middle schoolers, provides a space to explore teachers' beliefs about urban students' mathematical abilities and motivation and addresses how teacher perceptions can intersect with instruction, learning,…

This mixed-methods study examined teacher preparation for developing family partnerships. The attitudes and practices of teacher educators and the attitudes and experiences of student teachers were explored in focus groups, documents, and a survey instrument. Results indicated that although partnerships were considered important by faculty and…

This article describes findings from a single-case qualitative study of a unique 2-year professional development academy for practicing assistant principals designed and implemented in partnership between school district personnel and university educational leadership faculty members. The study was conducted based on the theoretical framework of…

This article presents a longitudinal case study of an urban high school as it transitioned from one comprehensive reform model to another over a 10-year period. The study is based on qualitative interview data and quantitative data on student outcomes. Despite evidence of improved student outcomes during this reform period, the school could not…

Describes the development of an art gallery within an urban elementary school, examining its impact on diverse students and their social interactions at school and home. The gallery had a positive impact on students (improved self-esteem, motivation, and appreciation of others); the school (transformation of the physical space and appreciation of…

Suggests that (1) the federal role in educational change is marginal and educational policies of the Reagan administration are ineffectual; and (2) while the rhetoric of Federal education policy might change, the policy itself is still governed by incrementalism and is unlikely to change in the near future. (Author/MJL)

Describes the accomplishments and shortcomings of educational reform movements from the early 1960s to the present. Concludes with priorities for curricular and instructional reform in urban schools that emphasize cognitive and developmental learning over fragmented and remedial learning. (CJS)

Analyzes state performance incentive programs in California, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. Findings suggest that incentive programs vary in effectiveness, indicating that program design is critical to success, and that most of the programs do not have high monetary costs. (FMW)

Assesses critically the likely impact of existing inservice programs for training principals, identifying their major shortcomings and suggesting potentially more effective alternatives. Argues that, although a complete curriculum for principal training has yet to be developed, the Principal Profile method offers a foundation for long-term…

Examined a staff-development program in a large urban California school district that exposed participants to African-American culture and features of African-American English. Preliminary findings for 32 teachers show that they easily incorporate display, ritual, and situated enactment into their teaching but have not made many other…

Describes the characteristics, implementation, and evaluation of eight school restructuring designs in an impoverished, urban, district in 1995 in Memphis (Tennessee). Type of program design, quality of professional training, resources, principal leadership, and teacher support affected the restructuring. (MMU)

Teachers' perceptions of support provided for implementation of the New American Schools models in the Memphis City (Tennessee) school district are examined in relation to the effectiveness of these models. Via questionnaires and focus group interviews, teachers indicated professional development, teacher collaboration, and resources to be…

Introduces the other articles in this special issue. Restructuring the schools to some means changing the "mechanics" of schooling; to others it refers to changes in relations of authority. However, there is uncertainty whether any restructuring will take place because a restructuring program will be difficult to implement. (BJV)

Argues for the development of school-wide reform plans derived from research on individual differences in learning and effective school practices. Data are presented from three urban schools where a systematic school restructuring effort enabled the establishment of strong family-school-community connections and effective and efficient delivery of…