How educators define and study school effectiveness is shaped by "policy mechanics" who attempt to define inputs that raise student achievement and by classroom culturalists who focus on implicitly modeled norms in the classroom. This article reviews how these two paths are informed by research in developing countries. (SLD)

Describes an eighth-grade communications arts classroom at Richard R. Green Middle School in the Bronx, New York, where respect has become a powerful motivator for students. Relates how students have responded positively to being treated as intelligent young adults who can learn, and how that has contributed to the students' success. (TJQ)

Identifies the components of the current social trend, "McDonaldization", as efficiency, calculability, predictability, and the substitution of nonhuman technology for human technology (or control). Contends that market forces and mass production have imposed "McDonaldization," on the British educational system. Considers…

Traces the history of Dutch sociology from the turn of the century (when it was called "sociography") to the current state of the profession. The discipline experienced radical changes in the 1980s brought on by a consolidation of programs at research schools and the emergence of Explanatory Sociology. (MJP)

A college professor describes the interracial dialog in a master's-level class on race and racism, based on a diary kept during the course. Discussions focused on different races and the stereotypes, prejudices, expectations, and needs of each group. It is concluded that students may not have enough opportunity to engage in such exchanges. (MSE)

Research has established that small schools create intimate learning communities where students can be encouraged by caring adults, reduce student alienation, reduce negative effects of low socioeconomic status, and encourage teachers to help students succeed. Strategies for creating small learning communities within large schools and findings on…

This article considers links between instructional group size and student engagement, caseload and academic achievement, and caseload and special educator attrition. Findings indicate larger caseload and group sizes negatively affect math and reading achievement, student engagement increases when group sizes decrease, and high teacher attrition…

Used alone, mandated standards and tests provide a dangerously narrow approach to accountability. Superintendents' proper response is layering and realignment-working to improve standards' validity and contribution to school improvement. Superintendents should provide leadership that increases schools' adaptability and spurs environmental changes.…

Recommends that teachers nurture students' emotional intelligence by teaching coping skills, how to acquire and use information, how to work with others, and how to manage personal growth. Discusses usefulness of emotional intelligence during transition to middle school, and suggests educators involve students in common activities that foster…

Interviewed 22 children, ages 7-9, in a mixed-age classroom about their conceptions of peer interaction and collaboration and about what it means to teach someone something. Found that children know they can teach their peers and are able to shift between acting as teacher and as learner in the active role. (DLH)

A teacher of adjudicated students wonders: why teach? The money is not good. The call for accountability is based on the misperception that teachers perform poorly. The work is stressful and complicated by imposition of standards that don't address all aspects of a good education. He reasons that he can't find anything more rewarding than working…

Describes the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Parkland College (Illinois) as a model for how faculty can engage in learning to improve their teaching while helping students connect to their own learning in new ways. States that the center also helps part-time faculty by offering stipends for their participation. (NB)

Describes the use of WebCT, a secured environment for the placement of course materials that allows the creation of Web-based educational environments by non-technical users. Explores the views of students who were required to use WebCT in their classes at Creighton University (Nebraska). The student survey used is appended. (Author/LRW)

This study provides an empirical description of the dimensions of community values, beliefs, and opinions through a survey conducted in the Pueblo Indian community of Zuni in New Mexico. The sample was composed of 200 randomly chosen community members ranging from 21 to 103 years old. A principal component factor analysis was conducted, as well as…

New Jersey, like many other states, is experiencing a significant influx of new immigrants--from countries such as India, Pakistan, China, Russia, Poland, Nigeria, Liberia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. In addition, New Jersey remains one of the most segregated states in the country, educating the majority of its African-American families…