Discusses the problems American students have learning math. Describes the new learning in mathematics that synthesizes new content and methods that restructure the curriculum in a way that resolves design and quality control problems. Presents examples of effective programs. (JS)

When Richmond County, Georgia, teachers formed study groups to become proficient in new teaching strategies, their students' achievement and behavior improved markedly. The teachers adopted an organic approach to school renewal, restructuring the workplace and using training to bring research-based teaching models into teachers' regular workday.…

A discussion of the state of American community colleges analyzes their principal functions, describes and analyzes current criticisms of the system, and evaluates trends in finance, governance, and administration. Trends in the California system are examined. (Author/MSE)

Describes English teaching in China, covering course materials, teaching activities, and students' reactions, and noting an upsurge of interest in English for science and technology (EST). A proposed reform argues for a shift from General English to EST and offers suggestions for preparing course materials, teacher training, and learner testing.…

Describes a model for identifying factors affecting teachers' use of instructional media and suggests methods to increase teachers' expertise with instructional media. The instructional performance engineering model is explained, teacher inservice training related to the Concerns-Based Adoption Model is discussed, and an Instructional Media…

The complexity of Seattle University's decision to replace three separate computerized student information systems with one integrated system was managed with a multicriteria method for evaluating alternatives. The method both managed a large amount of information and reduced people's resistance to change. (MSE)

Suicide has become the solution to an increasing number of gifted youth's mounting frustrations, including success depression and school stress. One possible solution is mandatory counseling within the gifted curriculum as a preventive intervention. (MSE)

Whereas participative management and quality circles have foundered in American schools, teacher and principal empowerment, a more focused process, has great potential for facilitating significant, long-lasting school improvement. For empowerment to succeed, educators must be trained to take risks and be exposed to challenging conditions. (MLH)

Discusses the role of rural public libraries in the information age. Characteristics of rural communities that library planners should consider are conservatism, the lack of professionally trained librarians, library trustee involvement, the need for marketing, and gender balance. Suggestions for recreating rural libraries and providing…

Describes a case study exploring the personal change process of one science teacher, examining the tools used for describing and changing practices and investigating how the change experience fit into the context of his life at school. Indicates that both cognitive and cultural dissonance make even individually desired change a difficult process…

The article describes how Susan Derse, principal of a Seattle high school, works with her school to facilitate and encourage change, focusing on her approach to staff development. Ms. Derse uses a collaborative, participatory style of leadership that allows plenty of time for teachers to meet and work together. (SM)

One of the few states to link reform in elementary and secondary education to higher education is Maryland, which is working toward linking statewide minimum competency testing to business hiring practices, college admission, and eventually even scholarship money. The plan is designed to end the need for remediation classes for recent high school…

Middle school educators can help prevent violence with a three-step approach: ensuring an orderly and attractive physical environment, a safe social environment, and clear expectations for student behavior. Students can be taught how to constructively manage their own anger. School safety begins before conflict begins and should continue through…

"Where Art Meets Ed" is an annual four-day conference in Hazel Green, Kentucky, which is based on the belief that art is a crucial educational tool that provides an experiential dimension to learning. Describes workshops on Appalachian literature and African dance that demonstrate the links between culture, experience, and learning. (TD)

Presents an overview of current research on strategies being utilized to develop the teaching/learning process to reflect the current learning community. Indicates that cooperative learning, critical thinking, andragogical considerations, and reading, writing, and storytelling processes are steps toward restructuring postsecondary education. (33…