Utilizes a case study, the Action Ecology Project, to exemplify some curriculum development issues pertinent to environmental education. Describes an action research evaluation process involving teachers that resolves conceptual evaluation and adoption problems of environmental education curriculum. (31 references) (MCO)

Suggests that defining critical thinking as assessing authenticity, accuracy, and worth of knowledge claims and arguments also describes the historian's role. Recommends teaching students history in such a way as to necessitate higher level thinking skills. Argues that the writing process helps because it requires evaluation of existing data and…

Explores characteristics of contemporary African-American independent neighborhood schools. These urban schools continue a nearly 200-year-old tradition of providing learning environments in which children can succeed. They offer a range of options from which parents can choose and can serve as a blueprint for school choice. (SLD)

The case of a dispute over the college faculty promotion process is examined in the context of a model of the organization of campus governance. The model describes three levels of power relationships with increasing amounts of shared responsibility between faculty and administration. A commitment to partnership is advocated. (MSE)

The claim that public school choice encourages more than standardized education is examined using data for 66 schools from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988. Little support is found for the argument that choice is currently an inventive way to alter the academic lives of students and teachers. (SLD)

Recent changes in the New Zealand government's research funding system are discussed, and the resulting system is detailed. Remaining structural problems, some of which are seen as constraining progress toward government priorities, are identified and likely solutions and trends indicated. (Author/MSE)

Defines student empowerment and asserts that the classroom teacher can be a catalyst for that process. Discusses three aspects of classrooms that enable children to become empowered. Provides seven steps for developing democratic classrooms. (CFR)

Presents a secondary level activity in which students participate in a decision-making activity involving the U.S. legal system and legal aid. Includes lesson objectives, step-by-step instructional procedures, and a student handout titled "Examining the Future of Legal Aid Programs." (CFR)

The effect of indebtedness (undergraduate loan burden) after college graduation on the decision to pursue a graduate degree was studied for 899 individuals from the High School and Beyond study. Level of undergraduate debt was not a significant choice determinant. Some limitations of the methodology are discussed. (SLD)

Discusses three methods that early childhood teachers can use to empower young children in the class: encouraging children to make decisions, building children's autonomy, and fostering children's trust in the individual, authority, and the group. (BB)

Data from a longitudinal study of adolescent development of approximately 2,300 sixth and seventh graders (the Michigan Study of Adolescent Life Transitions) provide a basis for the hypothesis that optimal developmental outcomes should result from an environment that gradually reduces adult control as the child's desire for autonomy increases.…

By reviewing the training of medical professionals, one can identify similarities to the preparation of education professionals (teachers). On a basic level, the medicine and education fields are both practice-oriented; require individuals with problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills; depend on information bases that multiply…

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…