Creating opportunities and encouraging student-centered questioning requires a special teacher-student dynamic. Students need to be empowered to ask questions. The article explores what teachers can learn from questions students ask, focusing on learning outcomes for teachers, and using a second-grade lesson on Harriet Tubman as an example. (SM)

Analyzes attitudinal and behavioral correlates of the following four categories of high school students from the High School and Beyond study: (1) scholar-athletes; (2) pure scholars; (3) pure athletes; and (4) nonscholar-nonathletes. Findings are discussed in terms of self-esteem, internal locus of control, and extracurricular involvement. (SLD)

Benchmarks are designed to demystify educational goals and illuminate the nature of good performance for teachers, students, and parents. Since 1987, the Toronto Board of Education has developed over 100 language and mathematics benchmarks at grades 3, 6, and 8, combining observation with holistic evaluation. Instruction, learning, and evaluation…

Reports findings of University of Bristol's Primary Records of Achievement Project. Discusses strategies for developing primary school records of achievement (ROAs), examining four examples of how local education authorities (LEAs) have implemented ROAs in primary schools in England. Presents six substantive issues emerging from research on…

This article presents guidelines for parents to ease the child's transition to a new school. Suggestions are given for preparing the child for the move, preparing the school for the change, and facilitating adjustment to new environments. (SM)

Focuses on recently published children's books by and about Blacks. Provides an overview of current African American authors and artists writing for elementary school children and examines themes, issues, and trends in their work. Discusses the role of literature in literacy development and its place in home and classroom activities. (AF)

Advocates developing Soviet secondary students' understanding of economics, conservation consciousness, and practical skills. Outlines several rural programs that involve students on collective farms and in school activities that promote these skills. Recommends teachers and youth organization leaders accommodate student age differences and…

Explains 2 decision-making problems presented to 188 undergraduates enrolled in introductory psychology classes to teach the principles governing individual and collective decisions. Shows individual interest outweighed mutual benefit. Promotes active learning about psychology and scientific skills while stimulating personal development (CH)

Describes a series of instructional activities designed to help student develop a conceptual foundation necessary for learning about other cultures. Suggests a study of the classroom culture and subcultures. Discusses using a culture artifacts box for observation, grouping and labeling, and making generalizations that later will be compared to…

The corporate perspective on school reform efforts in Chicago (Illinois) is provided. Illinois Bell supports the local school council (LSC) structure by encouraging its workers to run for election to LSCs and providing workshop training for employees through its Project SERVE (Serving Educational Reform with Volunteer Efforts). (SLD)

Discusses the use of multimedia for teaching human rights in Nigerian schools. Describes the curriculum as almost completely monocultural. Argues that human rights education must be approached within traditional interests and based on what people already know. Urges the demystification of rights. Warns that human rights reflect a Eurocentric…

Describes a classroom exercise for increasing gender equality and awareness in class discussions by increasing female students' participation. Explains that only female students may speak during one week of the course. Argues that radical and feminist education must promote the equal empowerment of male and female students to talk and listen. (DK)

Reports how 163 students who had attended alternative elementary schools in Wichita (Kansas) performed in secondary schools and beyond, and compares them to 186 regular students. Alternative education intervention positively affects student achievement and completion of formal education programs. Parent involvement was a common, important factor…

Schools cannot solve society's ills, but they can be held accountable for teaching academic subjects and developing thinking skills. Parents and teachers must be integral parts of any planned reforms. Excellence in urban schools is achieved by focusing on academic achievement, encouraging parent involvement, and professional renewal. (SLD)

An understanding of developmental psychology should be the basis of school reform. How students grow and learn is the obvious focal point for efforts to establish improvement policies. Experiences in creating a climate in inner-city schools that supports development are described. (SLD)