Educational research on gender has expanded beyond biological differences to the study of social interactions, during which individuals construct gender-related achievement differences. Much of the focus is on women's participation in mathematics, science, and technology and their life patterns. Future research should concern autonomous learning…

A 15-year-old high school student describes the differences between her public and private high school experiences. She offers a clear analysis of those aspects of public schools that must be changed if they are to serve the needs of minority students. (JOW)

Discusses the tension between educational reform movements that focus on school effectiveness and earlier reform movements that emphasized equal opportunities for the disadvantaged. Argues that the two movements are complementary, not mutually exclusive. (FMW)

Activities which pique student interest and desire to learn at Seely Place Elementary School are described. Community participation, teacher developed materials, an English as a Second Language program, and after school activities are central to the school's educational programs and success. (JL)

The West German debate over state-controlled higher education planning versus market-oriented competition is examined in the context of recent West German educational history, actions taken by the federal government and science council, institutional reactions, and research on the use of performance indicators. (MSE)

A school review program was evaluated to determine the attitudes of administrators, teachers, and parents toward the review process. Results showed administrators most positive about the review and parents often unaware of review results. Continuation of the review process is recommended and should include communication with all involved parties.…

To reduce its dropout rate, Ohio County Schools in Wheeling, West Virginia implemented a multifaceted, sequential intervention plan. Its success indicates that direct, personal, immediate, and caring communication with parents and students remains the most effective and least costly way to link home with school. (Author/LHW)

Describes the decision making process in a Phoenix, Arizona school district that involves the community and staff in a shared process. The district management system is organized so that the essential role of the principal as key decision maker is still supported. Includes discussion of business and school partnerships and a cooperative…

Discusses the school's contribution to the transmission of cultural heritage, focusing on curriculum content rather than on language issues. The kind of conceptual framework within which overt and hidden curriculum analysis might be carried out is suggested. (SED)

Empower teachers by giving them control over organizational and instructional decisions. To improve education and attract and retain good teachers, restructure teaching as a self-governing profession like medicine, with comparable self-determined standards for entry and advancement, assumption of professional integrity and expertise, and…

The Department of Education and National Association of Secondary School Principals have compiled differing criteria for middle school excellence as a result of conflicting ideas of the purpose of education, but resolution may be found through consideration of all demands by parents, educators, and the Department of Education. (DCS)

Offers brief responses to the "Report of the Commission on Excellence in Education" by August Franza, Robert Perrin, Bob Soule, and Marlene Brantley. (EL)

Describes the efforts of the staff of one urban high school in Mississippi to develop and implement a school improvement program based on a school effectiveness model. (FL)

Reviews the literature and difficulties of school follow-up studies. Describes the purpose, design, and methodology of the Peel Secondary Follow-up study. Shows how results from the first round of the study raise important issues about students' expectations and how they are or are not borne out. (SB)

Suggests how parents can assess a school's effectiveness by examining criterion referenced standardized achievement test results. Discusses (1) which test results will be used, (2) how the data should be analyzed, and (3) into what groups students should be separated to compare test results. (GC)