School effectiveness, rather than distribution of power, is the key school reform issue. The structure of shared decision making should be driven by what administrators and teachers believe is important for kids. In a recently restructured San Diego community school, the principal's primary function as chief executive officer is "keeper of…

Because of the importance of preventing inappropriate disciplinary measures for special education students and those with disabilities, school boards should direct administrators to set specific procedures and limits on disciplinary measures, boost staff development programs, and establish open communication with parents. (MLF)

Undergraduate students (n=480) responded to a vignette describing a sexual interaction between a father and daughter (either 7 or 15 years old). More causal and moral responsibility was attributed to victims who responded passively. Older victims were perceived to be more morally responsible than younger victims but only in situations involving…

A study of elementary teachers and students suggests an ethic of caring is essential to the definition of effective teaching. The article describes a process for restructuring teacher education programs based on that ethic and notes seven characteristics of a teacher education program promoting development of an ethic of caring. (SM)

Addresses causes and consequences for teacher educators of ignoring development of students' moral imagination and sense of efficacy. Critically reflective teacher education must help students understand and overcome social and educational dynamics. The article discusses Knox College's teacher preparation program, describing its emphasis on…

Corporate community involvement programs are described: (1) Days' Inn's efforts to employ homeless persons; (2) Rockwell International's recruitment of its retirees as secondary science and math teachers; (3) Wells Fargo Bank's provision of social service leave time for employees; and (4) IBM's Project A Plus, a business-education collaborative to…

The notion of "Shido" (comprehensive social involvement of the teacher in guiding the student) explains how Japanese educational system incorporates, without conflict, apparently contradictory elements: egalitarian group focus in elementary school and student stratification by ability and socioeconomic status in high school. Focuses on…

These reflections on EC 606 263 (a paper examining the effectiveness of student versus teacher monitoring of behavior of students at risk for referral to special education) examines the development of interest in the topic, acceptability of the interventions to study participants, potential usefulness of the intervention, and evidence of changes…

School desegregation opens increased opportunities for conflict without proper intervention to improve understanding and tolerance among students. Although students are more likely to have cross-racial and cross-ethnic friendships, racial discord is an accepted way of life for many. Schools can help by adopting appropriate policies, multicultural…

Former dean reflects on experiences as dean at a college of education, noting dilemmas colleges face in creating a mission. The article discusses central activities for deans: educating faculty and administrators, compiling data, building development funds, and hiring faculty. It also addresses problems and prospects for deans in the 1990s. (SM)

Excerpts from discipline-based task force statements outline the range of activities of faculty in five disciplines: history; management and business; the arts; chemistry; and geography. The excerpts focus on the nature of scholarship and allow comparison of the varied roles, responsibilities, and perspectives of faculty in those fields. (MSE)

Stresses the importance of early literacy experiences for very young children and explains how children become literate. Library services, such as choosing materials to meet the special needs of young children and their parents, and outreach programs are described. Tips to share with parents on reading to infants and toddlers are included. (EAM)

Presents summary results of Instructor's National Teacher Survey on curriculum reform, school governance, assessment practices, multiculturalism, and other issues. Teachers reported wanting program improvement, more involvement in school governance, increased use of computers and technology as learning resources, nonstandardized testing, and…

Recent court decisions concerning school board actions regarding the use of instructional materials indicate substantial deference to the judgment of the school administrators and board members. As long as boards act for a valid educational purpose, they have increasing freedom to decide the inculcation of values is more important than…

Business educators must define their position and responsibility as they prepare students to enter and become productive in a diverse work setting. The Policies Commission for Business and Economic Education affirms its position on the roles of business education and of business regarding cultural diversity. (JOW)