School reform efforts require teaching teamwork and goal setting to school personnel. Describes a number of strategies for managing organizational change with examples at specific schools. Lists Coalition of Essential Schools materials. (MLF)

Students (n=300) referred for special education and diagnosed as learning disabled, mentally retarded, or not eligible were examined to determine the differential contribution of sociocultural variables on eligibility decisions within the context of intelligence test factors. Factors analyzed included verbal comprehension, perceptual organization,…

With America's eroding social support, transitioning from childhood to adulthood is difficult. Adolescents need help in forming healthy lifestyles to positively affect their futures. The article recommends a developmental approach to providing life skills training, explaining the necessary conjunction of life sciences curricula, life skills…

Parents' general satisfaction with child care, which they often do not investigate fully, and the ways they make their child care choices suggest that parents are not likely to be major catalysts for school reform. Issues of quality, equity, parent choice, and school restructuring are explored. (SLD)

Recounts how a fifth-grade class applied the extended case study strategy to study a regional environmental issue, the Timber Wolf Recovery Plan. Students wrote essays; identified involved players' positions, beliefs, and values; conducted a survey of local residents' beliefs and attitudes; and devised a plan of action. (MDH)

Examines choices made by educators implementing cooperative learning today, expanding the pragmatic consideration of what works to an exploration of what we want for students from cooperative learning. Realizing the potential of cooperative learning requires examining the roles of teachers and the roles of schools in shaping society. (SLD)

Argues that exposing children to some of Lawrence Kohlberg's moral dilemmas, such as Helga's dilemma, may be pedagogically unsound at the elementary-school level. States sample responses provided are inappropriate, rigid, and self-righteous. Provides 10 reasons why this dilemma and its designated responses are of questionable morality. Claims…

This paper discusses theories and practices of the politics of curriculum reform tested while working to establish a freshman seminar course at the University of Prince Edward Island. The step-by-step procedure for negotiating the approval process is relevant to all types of curriculum reform. (Author/MLW)

This article discusses conclusions from education research and their applications to the Regular Education Initiative. Key principles include the need for adequate time for changes, concrete models of innovations for adaptation by teachers and administrators, tailored support services, clear mandates for reform's directions, and participation by…

Describes a teaching activity consisting of a problem-solving story about a company in a small town that is burying hazardous material which may create future problems for the community. The activity challenges students to address ethical issues relative to responsibility and accountability for protection of the water supply. (PR)

Argues that teaching authentic civic values in schools frequently requires teaching about controversial issues. Asserts that adequate teacher preparation and continued inservice education is essential for effective instruction about contemporary social problems. Includes two model lessons and a list of organizations that offer materials for civic…

Two different approaches to the undergraduate general education and liberal arts curricula were studied in terms of moral reasoning for 188 college students. Results reveal more advanced levels of moral reasoning for students in the integrated curriculum organized around decision making than for those in the traditional curriculum. (SLD)

Presents the case against private school choice, exploring myths and facts about public and private education. Private school choice would not increase accountability and would not bring about healthy competition for students. In addition, private schools do not outperform public schools to the extent one would expect. (SLD)

Describes a procedure that sensitizes counselors to cultural data in assessment and case conceptualization. The Multicultural Assessment Procedure (MAP) entails identifying cultural data through multiple methods of data collection, interpreting cultural data to formulate a working hypothesis, incorporating cultural data with other relevant…

This study used ethnographic methodology to evaluate the impact of mediation on transition outcomes of six persons with mild mental retardation. Strategies used by focal persons, their parents, and agencies/schools are discussed in relation to (1) empowerment and self-determination, (2) social dimensions of transition planning and "balanced…