Because the diversity of metropolitan Orlando (Florida) is both a major strength and a complex issue, diversity and diversity education are important components of the University of Central Florida's metropolitan mission and strategic-planning process. That process links the institution's strategic priorities with its budgetary process, and has…

Studies in three Canadian schools indicate that implementation of a year-round school calendar served as a catalyst for innovations in teaching and learning and for school-level capacity-building by facilitating teachers' planning, formal and informal talk about teaching and learning, team teaching, philosophically-based programmatic changes, and…

Describes the development and use of electronic classrooms at the University of Maryland College Park. Highlights include active individual learning; small group collaborative learning; class collaborative learning; classroom infrastructure; audio-visual support; courseware; empirical assessments; results of faculty surveys; and student feedback.…

Describes the instructional, scheduling, and equipment needs that led to the design of "technology classrooms" at University of Maryland. Defines technology classrooms and discusses the development of design principles, procurement and installation, establishment of technology-support services, and lessons learned. (AEF)

Analyzes the adjustments and changes that have evolved from the inception of a pilot portfolio program through the fifth semester of its implementation in a developmental English class. The program allows for authentic, performance-based assessment and challenges students to assume more control of their writing. Asserts that the final portfolio…

Investigates how a secondary-school teacher uses her "turning-point literacy experience" as a narrative template to guide changes in her teaching of literature. Scaffolds students' narrative modes of thinking in two contrasting classroom contexts: a twelfth-grade class for "at-risk" students and an eleventh-grade class for…

Despite dramatic evolution during the past decade, assessment of student performance still has issues to address which present important challenges for educators and may determine whether assessment ultimately succeeds or fails. The three issues are evaluating students, applying assessment innovations (holistic scoring and portfolio assessment),…

This article focuses on proposed reforms for the continuing professional development stage of the teacher preparation continuum. It includes information on performance standards practicing special educators will need to address, proposed changes in licensure and certification, and proposed reforms in continuing professional development…

Describes the development of a computer club at an inner city elementary school in Chicago. Discusses the sense of community that grew; parent involvement; scaffold learning; self-control; community service; difficulties in creating a sustainable innovation; and possible future directions. (Contains 11 references.) (LRW)

A teacher who blended adventure education strategies into a standard physical education course during the 1980s describes similar programs at 12 schools that were inspired by Project Adventure workshops. The emphasis on cooperative teamwork and trust-building engages students and teachers alike. Advice is given on how to start an adventure-based…

Describes the essential features and results of an Extended General Physics course offered as an alternative to the general physics sequence at Rutgers University. Finds that by integrating many proven-successful instructional techniques and structuring the time that students spend in the course, the program has fostered the success of at-risk as…

Two case studies from a Finnish university examined how innovative student teaching practicums and their contexts would affect student teachers' professional knowledge. Data from interviews with students, student reports, and student narratives indicated that the experience made them critically examine their often tacit assumptions and restructure…

Describes the use of George P. Landow's hypertext, "The Dickens Web," in an advanced undergraduate literature class and analyzes its practical and theoretical implications. Debates some of Landow's claims about the ease with which learning from hypertext occurs and examines difficulties encountered in using hypertext in the classroom. (DSK)

Illustrates techniques to foster transformative learning in computer-assisted literature classes: (1) a lesson plan on John Donne's "A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning"; (2) a plan to analyze "Oedipus Rex" using the "Daedalus" Interactive Writing Environment; and (3) a demonstration of how students engage in "meta-reflection" as they explore…

Evaluated the effects of a pilot program designed to improve the attendance and academic skills of African-American students at risk. Results with 15 middle school students show improved attendance, fewer suspensions, and better grades in mathematics, English, science, and history. In addition, most participants were promoted to high school. (SLD)