Suggests cost-effective ways of operating small schools so that students will be offered the superior caliber of educational enrichment that is achieved only in uncrowded classroom settings. (Author/IRT)

Argues for the creation of smaller high schools based on several models. Describes how some districts established small schools. Predicts that more small schools will be created in the future. (PKP)

Lists 16 things to consider before closing a small school. All 16 items are concerned with reducing per pupil expenditures. (Author/IRT)

Describes cooperative budget-stretching ventures of two small school districts in rural Illinois. The Bluffs and Triopia K-12 districts have joint programs in staff development; social work and guidance services; speech therapy; purchasing; and vocational, special, and gifted education. (MLH)

Reviews six new books that look at why some reforms succeed and other fail. (MLF)

An acclaimed former New York City principal says small school size is an absolute prerequisite for school reform. Smallness, to be effective, must be accompanied by control over budget, staffing, scheduling, and the specifics of curriculum and assessment. (MLF)

Reviews selected research on the benefits of student involvement in extracurricular activities, especially in small schools. (PKP)

In the Midwest, three types of cooperation among rural school districts have supplemented rural schools' limited curricula and facilities: (1) shared classes, with cooperative transportation between schools; (2) shared classes via cable television; and (3) shared extracurricular activities. (JW)

Discusses four initiatives proposed by the Alliance for Excellent Education (www.all4ed.org) to improve student success in high school. Involves adolescent literacy, teacher and principal quality, college preparation, and smaller learning communities. Argues for more federal investment in secondary schools. (PKP)

An investigation revealed that New York City educators were helping students cheat on standardized tests. Some state education officials are easing tough standards in response to student failure and public complaints. An Ohio court rejected vouchers for Cleveland's religious schools. A study showed smaller schools are better for poor and…

A case study of an anonymous but real-life district swamped in a conflict that involves a succession of superintendents, an entrenched school board secretary, a teacher who was fired and later elected board president, and several board members recalled. Three school leaders offer their advice. (MLF)

Research shows that socioeconomic status matters more than gender in the classroom. American Association of University Women researchers found that small classes, small schools, nondiscriminatory teaching practices, and a focused academic curriculum enhance student achievement whether girls and boys are taught separately or together. A sidebar…

Smart growth schools are small in size, encourage broad community involvement, and make good use of existing resources. Promoting small, community-based schools requires innovation, new partnerships, and a commitment to working to overcome the barriers presented by traditional rules and regulations. (Author/MLF)

The trend toward bigness and consolidation continues unabated, driven by political, economic, social, and demographic considerations, rather than extensive research attesting to small schools' educational benefits. School size influences social interaction and degree of student alienation. We need to reclaim the small school's sense of community,…

Most distance-education programs involve getting students in small, rural schools, or schools with limited resources, hooked up with teachers in large districts or in community colleges and universities. Schools need to keep a close eye on possible implementation problems and document results. Sidebars list six suggestions for distance teachers…