Among 13 indicators of high school quality are planned and board-approved curricula, strong graduation requirements, strong courses beyond the basics, positive school climate, good attendance, low dropout rates, high per-pupil expenditure, low pupil-teacher ratio, superior library and media resources, good faculty, caring principals, and high…

This colloquium presents seven analyses by social scientists of the controversial report, "Public and Private Schools," together with a response by the report's authors, James Coleman, Thomas Hoffer, and Sally Kilgore. (SK)

Recommends that schools experiment with a comprehensive formative evaluation system suggested by "A Study of Schooling" by John Goodlad and his associates. The system includes periodic assessment of such things as student achievement, teaching practices, class climates, adult working environments, and parent attitudes. (Author/JM)

Describes a study which explored the relationship between sex role perceptions of physical educators and their attitudes/expectations regarding female participation and performance in various physical activities. Also examines sex of teachers versus teachers' self-definition of their sex role as a determinant of curriculum objectives valued.…

The liberal consensus that has shaped national education policy is seen as succumbing to dubious ideas and undesirable practices. Issues discussed include: educational equity, equality and quality; measures of educational achievement; accountability; "need" and ability; statism and monoply, pluralism and diversity; federal role; and…

Observations and questionnaires were used to explore attitudes and behaviors of school staff that might influence student behavior differentially in secondary schools with high and low suspension rates. Students, teachers, and administrators in low suspension schools all judged school climate more positively than did their counterparts in high…

Offers a comparative framework for school organizations which illustrates tacit differences in teacher role expectations inherent in unique types of organizations. Expresses the central idea that the effective classroom teacher's role is operationally defined by the organizational system in which the teacher functions. (CSS)

Two issues were studied: students' perceptions of various situational influences of the school environment with regard to locus of control, and the relationship of situational influences to academic achievement. Situational influences involving parents, parental interaction, or home environment were most related to achievement. (MH)

Analyzes the results of a questionnaire given to psychology departments offering doctoral programs. The survey asked department chairs to identify pedagogical responsibility and training components for teaching assistants and to rate teaching assistant supervisors. Includes a statistical analysis regarding specific teaching functions and training…

Examines the required and elective geography courses, staffing, textbooks, and methodology used in Dutch secondary school geography instruction. Shows that geography enjoys a high status, that Dutch textbooks tend to apply major geographic themes to a specific regional setting, and that active learning plays a prominent role. (MJP)

Recalls the elementary and secondary educational experiences of a Canadian graduate student in education. Connects personal incidents to pedagogical issues of student performance, teacher student relationships, self concept, and social development. Concludes with a correspondence between the student and one of his early teachers. (MJP)

Addresses some of the practicalities in doing a senior paper on sexual geographies (gay neighborhoods, heterosexual clubs, women's work areas), from choosing a topic to selecting a relevant methodological framework. Considers ethical issues inherent in the independent research including confidentiality and objectivity. Briefly reviews recent…

Explores some of the ways that sexuality is an issue in the course of teaching. Includes discussions of crushes between students and staff, consensual personal relationships between staff and students, and sexual harassment. Discusses creating an atmosphere that enables lesbian, gay and bisexual students and staff to "come out." (MJP)

Goodness of fit is the compatibility between a child's temperament and his or her environment. When temperament is recognized, respected, and accommodated by creating complementary classroom environments and situations, healthy social and personality development occurs. Compatibility between the child and the demands and expectations of teachers…

Summarizes a case study examining how a nongraded, multiage schooling structure differs from a traditional grade structure, based on participants' perceptions. The ungraded school studied used responsive instruction, fostered student leadership and collaboration, created a family of learners, and encouraged student independence and responsibility.…