Reviews the decline of educational standards as reflected in national test scores and discusses four pedagogic causes for this decline: the abandonment of written tests in favor of objective, true/false testing techniques; nonpunitive grading and attendance policies; excessive use of technology in the classroom; and academic grade inflation. (JP)

This essay began with the recognition of the lack of coherence and unity within the high school curriculum. Interdisciplinary studies were examined as an attractive alternative; however, this approach was rejected as an impractical ideal. The objectives-centered approach was described as a practical and powerful solution. (Author/KC)

Relates each of Kohlberg's six stages of moral development to the appropriate level of schooling and method of classroom discipline. Concludes that teachers can successfully solve discipline problems by choosing strategies from a stage just beyond the student's level. (SK)

The use of assumptions and language which liken school rule-breakers to criminal defendants does not accurately reflect the way the discipline system functions. In addition, there is no understanding among teachers and administrators of the Supreme Court's decisions in the area of school discipline. (Author/RLV)

A longitudinal study of 78 undergraduate education students reveals that an individual's attitudes towards certain variables associated with teaching change as those individuals gain classroom experience. (LH)

Promotes the effort to amplify the concept of guidance to help children solve social problems. Defines guidance, traces the guidance tradition in early childhood education, examines the present trend toward guidance, explains what guidance is not, and illustrates key practices in classrooms where teachers use guidance. (Author)

A study of 36 students (ages 12-17) with behavior/emotional disorders in a residential school examined the effects of three types of in-school suspension programs on disruptive classroom behavior and the impact of classroom management. Results found no apparent effects of the in-school suspension interventions on classroom disruptive behavior.…

Solid research evidence links smaller schools to fewer discipline problems, lower dropout rates, higher student participation levels, and steadier academic progress. Large buildings are no obstacle. Creating small schools requires top administrators to lend impetus and support, facilitate teacher volunteer groups, develop clear policies, adjust…

An alternative to traditional solutions to academic cheating is proposed which provides a systematic institutional strategy stressing academic and professional integrity, encourages students to actively ensure academic integrity, and administers swift and fair punishment to violators. Implications are drawn for dental education and development of…

Describes the pros and cons involved in elevating bus drivers to professional status. Under current federal regulations, bus drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). The CDL test, however, does not require certain abilities pertaining to student transportation, particularly student-management skills. Describes strategies for…

A legal approach to due process in cases of college student cheating is outlined. Issues discussed include severity of the misconduct, need for informal vs. formal procedures, the due process paradigm as reflected in relevant court litigation, and steps in application of the paradigm (preliminary steps, notice and hearing procedures).(MSE)

World Wide Web "meta sites," or collections of subject-specific hyperlinks, can expedite Internet searching. One can find meta sites by consulting: search engines that offer site ratings or selective retrieval; library-constructed Web sites; Internet-related journals; and subject experts. A compilation of meta sites, with descriptions…

An Australian report identifying "generic skills, attributes, and values" as the central achievements of higher education is criticized as vague and inconsistent. A more systematic analysis is offered of higher order generic skills as they manifest themselves in thinking, research, and communication, and of the way in which these skills…

Using the 1995 National Research Council ratings of doctoral programs in 41 fields, a statistical methodology is offered for assessing how measures of program size, faculty seniority, faculty research productivity, and faculty productivity in producing doctoral degrees influenced raters' decisions. Then using data for one field, economics,…

Explores lessons that urban schools can learn from Catholic schools. Focuses on Cathedral High School in South Boston, Massachusetts which serves a population of mostly poor, minority students, of whom nearly one-half are not Catholic. Catholic schools have the reputation for efficient school management practices, disciplined college-bound…