Summer school programs have been a part of national, state, and local education systems' instructional programming for decades. These programs exist in varying forms and rarely have a prescribed way in which they should be implemented. There is little to no research about teacher and administrator perceptions about these summer programs. The…

This qualitative multiple case study sought to understand staff members' perceptions of the components of an effective and sustainable professional learning community. The Professional Learning Community Assessment questionnaire and interviews were the instruments utilized to attain data. The study's results allowed the researcher to identify…

Staff development is the key to middle school effectiveness, and this article lists characteristics of an effective staff development program, examples of activities and topics, and questions for program evaluation. (DCS)

Reviews the Using World Issues in the News (U-WIN) program developed for a six-county area in Indiana served by the "Indianapolis News" newspaper. Explains and evaluates program implementation: articles on world issues published in the newspaper for classroom use; lesson packets; workshops; site visits; and presentations. Concludes the…

Discusses issues to be considered in efforts to determine whether programs are effective for improving education of all middle school students. Details directions effective programs are taking in mathematics, reading, writing and language arts, thinking skills, science, and social studies. Discusses common components of the programs. (BB)