Analysis of a Chilean voucher system shows that public schools produce higher quality education (measured in achievement test scores), after controlling for school resources and type of student enrolled. Public schools achieve higher performance with disadvantaged children; private schools produce higher scores with advantaged students. Greater…

This rejoinder to critiques of "Behavior Disorders: A Postmodern Perspective" stresses that postmodernism is not a rejection of empiricism or of positivism but does place theory and research in a historical context. It is a critique of the exaggerations and abuses of research and theory but not research and theory themselves. (CR)

Reports on a qualitative study of the learning environment of a biology class. Suggests that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation--which could lead to deep involvement in science learning--are constrained by teacher-centered methods. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Analyzes findings from a study of Cypriot teachers' perceptions of national policy for curriculum reform in primary school, emphasizing mathematics. Responses of 286 teachers, including some beginning teachers, show a coherent view of active pedagogy among Cypriot teachers, with emphasis on practical activities that is not yet apparent in the…

The administrator preparation programs at the University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Christian University both have a strong critical-thinking component. The universities share a common vision to promote and maximize learning opportunities for all within a community of learners, explore appropriate instructional strategies, model the notion of…

Reports on interventions in New Zealand elementary and secondary schools to enhance the teaching and learning of technology as a new learning area. Discusses ways in which researchers worked with teachers to introduce technological activities into the classroom, and teachers' reflections on this process. (Author/LRW)

Describes outdoor education students' developmental needs for belongingness, acceptance, care and friendship, praise and recognition, responsibility, self-respect, creativity, achievement, and new experiences. Explains how upward, outward, forward, and downward models of personal growth can be linked to developmental needs to enhance and evaluate…

Examines why curriculum planning falls short in site-based management and what can be done about it. Alternative curriculum-planning strategies include holistic planning, construction of thematic units to suit students' individual differences, and a multifaceted, cross-functional approach. Adapting corporate innovations and pursuing strategic…

Argues that the concept of best practice is an illegitimate importation from an inappropriate paradigm, and its use threatens to undermine the very values that its proponents espouse. After explaining best practice, the paper presents an alternative vision, suggesting that the future of educational practice and theory lies in the development of…

Investigated definitions and perceptions of multicultural education among 103 preservice early childhood education students. Found that students' definitions illustrated minimal understanding of multicultural education, limited to race and ethnicity. Most students constructed their definitions from college courses. Participants witnessed…

Common factors contributing to teachers' resistance include risk aversion, craft expertise, and autonomy and isolation. Leaders' problem is to create ownership, not buy-in. Principals cannot make change alone or by edict, but must nurture engagement and commitment and motivate groups to learn and solve problems cooperatively. (MLH)

School-effectiveness research (SER) has been criticized for being a socially and politically decontextualized body of literature that supports inequitable reforms. Critics rightly address several problems within the SER field: overclaiming (that furthers the Right's political/social agenda), continued undertheorizing, and inability to control…

A retired teacher and administrator advocates charter schools, but feels a solid research base is needed before rushing into them. Many charter school founders don't know what it takes to run the business aspect of schools, and Alaska's legislation has no oversight or accountability provisions. Charter schools need seasoned leadership,…

Makes the case for analysis, reflection, and debate about doctoral education in composition and rhetoric at this historical moment. Maintains that the number of established graduate programs in composition and rhetoric calls for a pause for critical reflection. (TB)

Explores how internship learning differs from classroom learning, using a theoretical framework of legitimate peripheral participation and a sample of 36 students enrolled in a Connecticut administrator-preparation program. Both mentors and interns felt the internship was an invaluable, "real" experience. Five themes emerged:…