This editorial essay discusses four important questions addressed by most of the contributors to the current issue: (1) What is meant by "education" in the context of the current reform movement? (2) What are the social goals of education? (3) What are the mechanisms for accomplishing educational reform? and (4) How do we structure…

This critique of an article by B. Kumaravadivelu argues that principles/strategies should not and cannot replace methods; it also takes issue with Kumaravadivelu's claim that his strategic framework is an alternative to, not simply an addition to, method. A reply by Kumaravadivelu is included. (Contains nine references.) (LR)

Examines John Dewey's remarks about the interrelationship between democracy and education in light of historic conditions in Czechoslovakia and postcommunist realities. Suggests that the world often has little in common with Dewey's social framework which conceived education as a means of guiding children toward active citizenship. (MAB)

The concept of savant syndrome, encompassing those individuals historically known as "idiot savants," is reviewed. Case studies demonstrating special abilities in the areas of calendar calculating, musical ability, artistic talent, memorization, mathematical skills, mechanical achievement, and fine sensory discrimination are discussed,…

Assessment of student work in the collaborative classroom is dynamic, ongoing, and can be suited to the particular needs of individual instructors. It enables both instructor and students to reframe their personal understandings of the learning process and knowledge acquisition. The challenges can be met by planning, careful consideration of…

This overview of several programs, techniques, and approaches related to improving schools and student learning includes brief outlines of restructuring, effective schools, cooperative learning, whole language, technology, multiple intelligences, the Coalition of Essential Schools, the Accelerated Schools Project, the School Development Program,…

This introduction to six articles on learner-centered instruction of students with hearing impairments briefly looks at such principles as the importance of expectations, the interaction between practice and research, collaboration, reflection, and lifelong learning. (DB)

The design principles for professional development schools articulated by the Holmes Group are not currently reflected in laboratory schools. However, if they are to play a major role in the future preparation of teachers, laboratory schools can and should make the transition to professional development schools. (IAH)

Several members of the Sequoia Foxfire Teachers Network in California discuss their teaching experiences in multicultural classroom settings, including issues of empowerment and democracy, difficulties in communicating with children who have different language and cultural backgrounds, problems in developing a sense of community among students,…

Describes an information curriculum based on 10 core concepts that form the basis for understanding and using libraries and managing the information they contain. The implications of this resource-based educational approach for evaluating learner outcomes, developing information sheets, and guiding student inquiry are presented. (KRN)

This paper presents the position of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Career Development that education for career development and transition should be provided to all elementary-aged students. Information supporting the position covers career development stages, desired educational outcomes, and principles of elementary-level…

This article describes a program to prepare students with moderate to severe disabilities for later community-based vocational instruction. It offers general principles, suggested content areas, and examples of appropriate school-based vocational activities. Tables outline Department of Labor guidelines and recommended amounts of time for…

Aims to elucidate the new sacred of Technique (technical phenomenon) proffered by Jacques Ellul, then examine education as technology in need of desacralization and disestablishment in the manner described by Ivan Illich. Moderns are called to awaken from the isolation and determinism of Technique and education qua technology which deny people's…

Argues that students must be readied to provide for their own needs and own self-wealth. Because self-wealth depends on a web of relationships with fellow humans and other species, students must also be readied to understand, maintain, and build common wealth. Ponders teaching students to value building positive futures for the communities to…

This study analyzed relations between student achievement in the domain of fractions and the extent to which classroom practices are aligned with principles recommended by current reform frameworks. Hierarchical linear-model analyses revealed that alignment of classroom practices with reform principles was related to student achievement in problem…