Reviews the evidence on how the concept of opportunities to learn can be applied to the demand for more challenging content for all students. Concludes that students learn more if they are offered more demanding curricula. However, such curricula creates the probability of unacceptable rates of failure. (MJP)

Argues that geography often is relegated to a negligible role in social studies curricula and that geography instruction suffers from a lack of standards and educational research. Recommends establishing intensive cooperative programs developing a thorough knowledge base for geography teachers and encouraging instructional research. (MJP)

Maintains that the explosion of information and teaching resources (multimedia, audio-visual, computer networks) represents a mixed blessing. Argues that the proliferation of information access necessitates students learning critical and evaluative skills. Discusses the implications of this for social studies instruction. (MJP)

Argues that new patterns of trade and production combined with an emphasis on a knowledge-based economy/society make it imperative that Canada upgrade its educational system. Specifically notes that several growing and dominant industries (microelectronics, biotechnology, telecommunications) require a high-tech skilled labor force. (MJP)

The trend of rising enrollments represents new educational challenges. President Clinton's literacy initiative, America's Reading Challenge, aims to ensure that every child can read independently and well by the end of third grade. This challenge supports grassroots literacy efforts and programs such as Head Start, AmeriCorps, enhanced community…

Discusses the needs for restructuring the curriculum, instruction and environment of middle schools to better meet the needs of learners and teachers. Suggests that most reform today is moving toward a developmentally appropriate, child-centered approach. Issues under consideration include a definition of developmentally appropriate programs at…

Asserts that music-student learning outcomes need to encompass the development of general and transferable cognitive, technological, psychomotor, affective, and social skills as well as musical achievement. Discusses the ways that research can help integrate this approach into the curriculum. Briefly reviews the national goals outlined in the…

Considers three factors largely ignored in simple market models of educational choice. Religious faith and discipline play an integral part in both the choosing families and the subsequent school environments. Participating families remain in the middle and upper classes. Participating schools can, and do, refuse students. (MJP)

Considers the role of school media librarians in changing educational environments. Highlights include a future education scenario; educational improvement; electronic information networking; constructivist versus instructional models of schooling; school computer network development, including costs; and library media leadership, including…

Maintains that the content, skills, and perspectives specified for preservice teacher education in the National Geography Standards are essential for dissemination of the Standards to classrooms across the nation. Presents a model curriculum based on this approach. (CFR)

Maintains that Australian curriculum governance takes place at different levels and all are targets of competing debates. Reviews recurring social influences and themes between 1981 and 1991. Asserts that the trend toward the devolution of management and curriculum control to local schools is the key to restructuring efforts. (CFR)

In the 1990s, United States needs to build a movement for excellence that reaches into every African-American community and every African-American home to work toward the development of African-American children. Four criteria are set forth to ensure that African-American children, and all U.S. children, develop into outstanding citizens. (SLD)

Discusses ways that media and technology facilitate learning. Considers cognitive, motivational, and social needs of at-risk students; underlying causes of school failure; ways technology might improve at-risk students' learning; how technology might facilitate school restructuring; and ways schools must be restructured to increase the effective…

A 1957 book by Timothy Leary presented a model for interpersonal behavior. Dutch researchers have worked on using the model in educational research and teacher education. The paper discusses results of a research program which studied student and teacher perceptions of interpersonal behavior, teacher communication styles, and student outcomes. (SM)

In spite of increasing ethnic, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity, educational reform efforts continue to target mainstream English-speaking U.S. public. The educational plans of the America 2000 initiative are no exception. This theme issue provides examples of classroom-based research in which educators try to improve literacy education for…