Describes how a democratic classroom and flexible grouping benefit students who arrive "at risk." Illustrates how acting on these ideas has put an end to labeling in the author's first-grade classroom. Describes how many current classroom practices are pervasively autocratic rather than democratic. Discusses district and community support, and…

Finds only a very limited research basis for claims about the effects of art experience on academic achievement. Identifies three levels to which arts education contributes: arts-based, arts-related, and ancillary outcomes of art education. Discusses four contributions arts education makes to the arts and to life beyond them. (SR)

Paints a discouraging picture of the teaching conditions in higher education in the Ukraine. Salaries are about one-quarter of their previous levels, and often are not paid for months at a time, workers in science and education rank forty-fifth out of forty-eight pay categories, and publishing opportunities have declined. (MJP)

Reports on the views of 18 educational leaders regarding their vision on the future of education in an information age. Topics include people's diverse needs; relationships between morality, ethics, values, and technology; leadership; parental involvement; online courses from multiple higher education institutions; teachers' role; technology…

Examines the microeconomics of Mexican American households in Tucson (Arizona) and Los Angeles (California), exploring factors affecting household organization and the dynamics of Mexican American households as part of a larger cluster. Case studies of four households support the discussion. Causes of conflict and family interests and objectives…

Interviews were conducted with 142 above-average readers and 128 below-average readers in the fourth grade. In contrast to poor readers, good readers reported understanding what they read, talking more, being understood more often, and reading more frequently at home and for fun. No differences existed between groups in opinions of the value and…

Identifies the components of the current social trend, "McDonaldization", as efficiency, calculability, predictability, and the substitution of nonhuman technology for human technology (or control). Contends that market forces and mass production have imposed "McDonaldization," on the British educational system. Considers…

Reviews positive and negative aspects of corporate involvement in public education, using educational research literature since 1990 and focusing on commercialization of public schools and use of private companies to deliver instructional services or to manage schools. Also explored are value conflicts among supporters and critics of such…

Provides an introduction and overview of installation art. Installation art challenges the accepted notion of passive viewing and comments on concepts concerning art and the environment by creating spatial environments using natural materials. Describes several student installation art projects and the issues raised by this approach. (MJP)

Endorses U.S. political history as a colorful and interesting resource for teaching important historical and social science concepts: order and change, elitism and pluralism, creating structures, the Constitution, and the formation of political parties. Discusses these concepts and gives examples of each. (MJP)

Many private schools accepting public and private voucher funding use instructional materials that transmit profoundly conservative values. Content of texts produced by A Beka Books and Bob Jones University Press is virtually identical to materials produced and disseminated by the Christian Right and other conservative groups. (Contains 42…

Public schools have mirrored postmodern social transformations that have challenged our provincial notions of common values and defined roles. Postmodern innovations-inclusion, multiculturalism, full-day kindergarten, character education, and distance education--are the offspring of our new cosmopolitan society. Most have greater social than…

Used alone, mandated standards and tests provide a dangerously narrow approach to accountability. Superintendents' proper response is layering and realignment-working to improve standards' validity and contribution to school improvement. Superintendents should provide leadership that increases schools' adaptability and spurs environmental changes.…

Stresses the importance for Catholic school educators to reveal the Christian message through every gesture of behavior and foster an experiential faith in students' lives. States that this demands a great deal of skill, knowledge, and self-awareness on the teacher's part, and requires self-esteem, authentic caring, humility, and communication…

Argues that understanding teachers' conceptions of discussion is a neglected and important issue. Reviews new insights from literacy research on text discussion; suggests how that literature provides a broader context for understanding social studies teachers' conceptions of classroom talk. Reflects on the relationship of open-forum discussion to…