The report of this New Jersey state task force is part of a proposed legislative package. This article cites some of the task force recommendations for restructuring the juvenile court system, dealing with violence and vandalism in the schools, and providing alternative schools for disruptive students. (SJL)

Outlines a collaborative writing exercise designed to help students develop position statements for persuasive essays. Notes that this exercise helps students adopt the discursive style and language of the academic community, as well as develop reader-based arguments. (MM)

Summarizes findings from a 1994 report, "Values and Opinions of Comprehensive School Health Education in U.S. Public Schools: Adolescents, Parents, and School District Administrators." Commissioned by the American Cancer Society, the national survey examined adolescent, parent, and administrator opinions regarding comprehensive school…

Family policy is a critical area of concern for family professionals. A model of political decision making is presented that includes values, politics, and capability dimensions. Strategies for family professionals to address each dimension are presented, as are guidelines for effective communication with policymakers. (Author)

The responses of two experts in the field of visually impaired education to a recent council position paper address aspects of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, alternative placements, local school district versus residential school placement, supportive integration, and a rationale for the maintenance of both special and regular…

Overcoming the following obstacles will set the stage for meaningful school reform: (1) asking the wrong questions; (2) inadequate teacher preparation for reform; (3) opinions of "friendly" critics and inadequate advocates; (4) contempt for practitioners working directly with children; and (5) the criteria used to judge success. (SLD)

Compares teaching of engineers with teaching of policy analysts. Emphasizes similarities. Presents briefing format to be used in teaching students basics of policy analysis. Includes briefing instructions, selecting an issue, writing a proposal and briefing paper, and preparing the oral briefing. Suggests methods of evaluating students' efforts,…

Craig raises concerns about the Movement for Canadian Literacy's proposal in terms of jurisdictional and organization issues regarding literacy and government role. Quigley examines the notion that workplace literacy is a panacea for economic development and warns of dangers in a major shift of funding to this form of literacy. (SK)

Presents two American Montessori Society position papers. "Multi-Age Grouping" offers an analysis of eight specific methods and strategies of multiage practice that serve as a useful guide for implementation. "Peace Education" explains the need for, the requirements for, and the benefits of peace education as part of a school's…

The SACE Review report, Success for All, completely ignores two important issues, namely, (a) the portability of the certificate, and (b) the nature of secondary schooling in a future that is set in a global world. The Review saw the South Australian education system operating in a context that was limited to the geographical and cultural…

Looks at the "Passport to Success" scheme introduced by the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce in a bid to address the employability skills problem among young people. States that the scheme was launched in September 2001 in partnership with a local comprehensive school with the intention of helping pupils make the transition from school into…

Many in Indian country have expressed that the trauma from the boarding school experience continues to terrorize the hearts of American Indians. Although much has been written about this history that looms so large in the North American indigenous experience, it remains an obscure topic in mainstream America. Dr. Eulynda J. Toledo, a member of the…

This document presents excerpts from position statements and resolutions of 15 U.S. and Canadian national associations on the inclusion of students with disabilities in the regular classroom and funding to support inclusion. Analysis of the position statements indicates the organizations' support for the inclusion of exceptional children in the…

This guidebook for California teachers of gifted students discusses common issues and concerns, suggests solutions, and identifies resources. Part 1, in question and answer format, covers: characteristics of gifted students, identification, curriculum and instruction, classroom management, special challenges, characteristics of teachers of gifted…

The overall economic well-being of U.S. rural communities is on the decline. Rural America is now dependent on a highly diversified economy, and its problems will not be resolved through improved farm income alone. Various weaknesses in rural development policies must be addressed. The narrow policy focus on attracting manufacturing industries to…