Principle-centered discipline is based on creating a climate of high expectations for the desired student behavior. When discipline problems persist, reevaluate school rules, punishments, and rewards in light of the principles that underlie the discipline plan. Such a policy requires broad support from the school board and staff. (MLF)

In addition to being a neighborhood school, Stonewall Jackson Elementary is the site of the Dallas, Texas, school system's program for the deaf. Proposes that students' high scores in standardized tests can be attributed to the techniques used for the deaf children that contribute to the success of the other students. (MLF)

"Horace's Hope: What Works for the American High School," by Theodore R. Sizer, reflects on the changes that have taken place during the past decade of school reform. This excerpt touches on 4 of the 13 lessons he has learned from his work with reform-minded schools. (MLF)

The Hanover (Virginia) Public Schools won the U.S. Senate 1996 Award for Continuing Excellence for its productivity, or progress toward established benchmarks. Productivity is becoming part of the public school vernacular, as educators borrow business language and methods for educating more youngsters with fewer resources. An upcoming RAND…

Researcher Harris Cooper examined studies on homework and student achievement and found that homework substantially raises high school students' achievement; in junior high, homework raises students' achievement only about half as much; and in elementary grades, homework has no discernible effect on students' achievement. (MLF)

In an excerpt from "Horace's School: Redesigning the American High School," Theodore Sizer states that what is needed is raised expectations within the various agencies that now affect standards rather than their demotion and replacement by a more centralized system. Public policy must address the two barriers to excellence--public…

Many school boards view standardized test scores as indicative of school effectiveness. This primer outlines basic facts about standardized tests and tells how school systems can use test results productively. (MLF)

Many states are answering the call for public reports on educational progress by developing indicator systems that are designed to show trends within and relationships among school data. A table shows 13 states and the number of indicator components used. Offers advice to school boards considering indicator systems. (MLF)

Included in this year's U.S. Department of Education appropriations was a $150 million Comprehensive School Reform Initiative that will send at least $50,000 to each school that wants to use a reform model based on reliable research and effective practices. Comprehensive reform improves the entire school, from curriculum and instruction to parent…

School districts implementing change proceed through the phases of investigation, facilitation, and cultivation. In addition, staff members are encouraged to develop professionally according to their individual choices and their levels of success and commitment. (MLF)

Research has indicated that computer-assisted instruction can give students an advantage compared to traditional instruction. Money spent on educational technology must be matched with staff development and support for implementation efforts. Lists seven references on computers and technology in education. (MLF)

Describes how the Ellington (Connecticut) Public Schools use community visiting teams to involve the community in school improvement. Teams are chosen from among persons recommended by community groups, visit a school for three consecutive days with a consultant, accomplish five evaluation tasks, and submit a written report with recommendations.…

A small Texas school district initiated a shared governance plan that involves teachers in decisions and innovations at each school. Cites some successful accomplishments along with problems inherent in time limits and the committee structure itself. (MLF)

Discusses the findings (and implications) from the 1985 national assessment of American students' knowledge of history and literature funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The average score of 11th graders on history was 55 percent and on literature 52 percent. (MD)

A La Crosse (Wisconsin) board member describes the long and difficult manner in which the school board rose from the conflict of having a major board recall, eight new superintendents in four years, and serious personnel problems to reach a position in which the board and school became effective again. (MD)