The article identifies some of the problems with current cooperative-learning strategies and implementation, links those limitations to both the wider cooperative-learning movement and the nature of middle schools, and calls for conceptualizing and structuring cooperative learning within a much larger educational, social, economic, and political…

A survey of 483 early childhood educators from Head Start, public school prekindergarten, public school kindergarten, and community preschool/child care programs examined the extent to which representatives from various disciplines were employed. Results indicated that relatively few programs reported having sufficient related service personnel to…

A pharmacy school large-group (110 students) course in pharmacokinetics was designed to incorporate small-group team-based problem solving. The method allows students to learn material through traditional lecture, research the topic further, discuss the information gained, and apply the learning to specific cases in a manner that promotes…

This supplement offers 10 articles focusing on middle school education. Topics include remembering adolescence, resources and teaching tips, active middle school students, adolescent development, challenges in middle school education, integrated studies, planning middle school special events, a writing-science-consumerism miniunit on popcorn,…

Describes Project SCOPE (School-College Operation in Physical Education), a college-school partnership that takes a holistic approach to improving teacher education, faculty development, and K-12 curriculum in physical education. It was implemented with no money and limited support. The article discusses the conceptual framework and explains the…

A large introductory anthropology course at Utah State University was organized to promote collaboration among and between students and faculty. Students were divided into and worked in "clans" for the entire term. A study of the course suggests that learning and a sense of community resulted directly from this organization. (MSE)

This article analyzes the purposes for which collaborative special education programs are established and outlines alternative structures for operationalizing the concept of collaboration in schools. These structures include the teacher assistance team, the child study/resource team, peer collaboration, behavioral consultation, collaborative…

The AIM (Academic Intervention Model) program was designed to promote success for at-risk middle school students within a general education setting, through collaborative efforts between general and special education staff. This paper describes types of services offered, personnel preparation, program outcomes, and implementation suggestions. (JDD)

Explores Total Quality Management (TQM) philosophy, its industrial achievements, and its promise for education. Key elements of TQM include establishing a strong sense of school vision, promoting personal mastery learning for all organization members, focusing strategy on customer-driven values, developing outrageous goals, working effectively…

Describes a successful project in which seventh-grade English-as-a-Second-Language teachers in Jerusalem kept nonreaders in the classroom, thus laying a positive foundation for high school, motivating all students to study English, and reducing the gap in English abilities. By teaming and collaborating, teachers and student teachers created a…

By cooperating with other district staff, law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel, and social services, educators can prevail over school violence. First steps are developing a well-trained team, an effective crisis-response plan, and an alternative site to accommodate students. Guidelines and Web sites are provided. (MLH)

Recounts the first year of a university/school district partnership to create Master's level cohorts of inservice teachers, describing: how the program emerged, program organization, and problems encountered. The program's initial goals are explained, and participants' voices are presented. Their goals went beyond those specified in planning. They…

Defines case methods, a potentially valuable instructional tool for encouraging authentic, active learning. Describes an approach to the design and use of instructional design (ID) cases, and reports on the design and use of a Web-based ID case in a team case competition involving six universities. Team collaboration and competition were noted as…

Examines six issues that can make or break an inclusion program (commitment, flexible scheduling, working as a team, making modifications, classroom setup, and believing in the students). Information is provided on statistics on inclusion by state, percentages of students with various disabilities in regular classrooms, and resources and…

This article profiles a third-grader with physical and learning disabilities to exemplify the use of physical and occupational therapy in school and the teamwork required to achieve inclusion and to facilitate a comprehensive educational program. Providing related services in an educational environment is discussed, along with legal requirements.…