Investigates how master music teachers maintain discipline in their classrooms. Suggests the discipline of music and the need to use time effectively encourage disciplined classroom environments. Stresses teachers' ability to balance musical goals with student needs and interests. Notes that students respect these teachers' musicianship and…

Illustrates the ways in which a teacher served as an ally for abused preschool children. The teacher interacted with the children to make their views of the inner self constructive rather than destructive. Parenting classes were incorporated. (BB)

Recommends developing programs that involve rural secondary students in the organizational planning and work of collective farms in the USSR. Argues this helps students apply knowledge, develop skills, and sharpen their social focus. Advocates including environmental education to develop students' ecological awareness. Notes experimental schools…

South Korean students scored better than students from 18 other countries on math and science achievement tests. In South Korea, economic social status for oneself and one's family are directly related to educational level. This, plus intense pressure from parents and authoritarian teachers, motivates students to score well on competitive national…

Examines the divide between high school students' perceptions of historical inquiry and those articulated in current proposals for curricular and instructional reform. Concludes that successful reform requires instruction that shifts the locus of authority from the teacher and text to a shared process of critical inquiry. (CFR)

Asserts that efforts by Christian churches to join in humanitarian community efforts are hindered by diversity and reluctance to participate in public engagement. Maintains that a "public church" is necessary in society today. Contends that there are two main tasks: (1) education of disciple-citizens; and (2) education of the public. (CFR)

Encourages engaging students in critical and empathic analysis of biblical inerrancy and discrepancies between biblical and scientific information. Premises arguments on teaching experience as an English literature professor. Stresses respect for religious differences while developing critical thinking habits. Emphasizes importance of…

Although every school must develop its own dropout prevention programs, the framework for multifaceted solutions can be similar, involving a systemic approach consisting of the following: (1) identification and intervention policies; (2) interventions by educational leaders, teachers, and parents; (3) academic and support programs; and (4)…

The ASPIRA Association in the District of Columbia conducted a longitudinal multimethod study with 1,152 students based on school records, interviews, the High School and Beyond study, and 1-year followup to study dropouts among Hispanic-American students in 5 cities: Chicago, Miami, Newark, Milwaukee, and San Antonio. Findings represent an…

The status of women faculty in social work is evaluated, based on a review of literature and statistics. Findings show women are seeing some progress toward equity in employment policy and patterns but also indicate that inequalities continue. Strategies for supporting development and retention of women faculty are suggested. (Author/MSE)

Suggests new directions in parent involvement emerging in school districts across the country, identifying and analyzing 18 recently developed programs or reforms emphasizing effective parental involvement. Ten programs help parents support children's development, and eight define parent involvement as a central focus of school improvement or…

Describes a year-long study in second and fourth grades examining how teachers' school-to-home communications influence parent perceptions about school and their effects on children's motivation. Results from 25 classrooms (15 controls) confirm the importance of school-to-home communications and the positive relationship between parents' comfort…

Describes "Family Computers," an educational program developed by EQUALS that brings families together weekly to have fun with mathematics while using computers. Discusses software selection, provides a lesson plan for grades 4-8, and presents 7 tips for instructors. (MDH)

A study was done to investigate the impact of public school building conditions on student achievement. An analysis of District of Columbia public schools showed that the size of an individual school's Parent-Teacher Association budget is positively related to the school building's condition and to student academic achievement. (JB)

Suggestions on providing home-based support in student development and study skills focus on study skills inventories, time management, reference materials, reading rate, oral reports, test taking, note taking/outlining, listening, visual material, writing reports, and library usage. (DB)