Describes the ways one middle school teacher works with students to develop the unique culture of the class. Considers the use of collaborative projects, and notes how the classroom functions as a setting for the developing social group in which experience is continuous and intertextual and communication is referential. (JPB)

Studied what types of parental involvement are effective as students make the transition to high school; also sought to elaborate on the role parents play in connecting their children to desirable peer networks during this transition. Identified five forms of parental involvement that helped students succeed. (Author)

This case study examined changes in a fifth-grade mathematics classroom in Hong Kong when a video-based story involving mathematics problem solving was introduced. Findings suggest that new technologies not compatible with existing practice may lead to intense reflections about which aspects of the individuals, their environment, and the new…

Situates the experience of Porto Alegre in the larger political and educational context of Brazil; presents normative goals of the Citizen School and examines the mechanisms that helped forge these goals; describes and explains some elements of the institutional design of the Citizen School; evaluates potential problems of the project; offers some…

This article describes a gifted program that identified students after entry into the program. Students are judged suitable for gifted education after having had opportunities to develop and exhibit behaviors within a gifted classroom. The result has been student opportunities and achievements that span the chasm between excellence and equity.…

This article describes two studies that evaluated training intended to improve the family friendliness of five components of the admission treatment team process at an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric hospital. While role-play training did not improve family friendliness, mindfulness training enhanced the family friendliness of all five…

First-year outcomes are reported for 18 pairs of first graders at risk for serious emotional disturbance (SED) assigned to Parent-Teacher Action Research (PTAR) teams and a matched control group in the same classrooms. Children who had PTAR teams showed greater reductions in teacher-rated externalizing aggressive and delinquent behavior.…

A recent study indicated students in the United States do not understand basic math and science as well as students in other countries, and will not be prepared for decision making in a largely scientific and technological world. Suggests ways for parents to emphasize science at school, at home, on school field trips, with science fairs, and with…

Profiles the activities of a third-grade class that used role playing to understand the functions and components of the federal government. Describes learning activities simulating (1) representatives of the people, (2) the legislative branch, (3) the judicial branch, (4) the executive branch, (5) political parties, and (6) political campaigns.…

Analyzes data from a longitudinal study of high school youth to suggest that involvement in sports often has a strong and positive association with young womens' success in high school science. Associates participation in cheerleading with negative results. Summarizes both the functionalist and conflict theories regarding the purpose of sports.…

Describes Tidewater Community College students' reactions to college-wide discussions on racial diversity. Students articulated the need for honest conversation that could lead to better understanding of diverse thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on race and their subsequent influences on behavior. Asserts that faculty, through their curricula,…

Besides challenges in health and physical well-being, today's children face challenges based in behavior and lifestyle choices, which do not offer well-defined solutions. The paper describes coordinated school health programs; explains the importance of school, community, and family involvement in health; presents the U.S. Department of…

Physical educators and their students often perceive physical education differently. Lack of shared meaning can negatively affect instruction, participation, and learning. Teachers often incorrectly assume that differing responses to instruction reflect off-task behavior. The paper examines the issue, presents implications for teaching and teacher…

Describes one principal's success at helping teachers guide reform in a Wisconsin elementary school by creating, with the help of his teachers, a school that abolished age-based grade levels and traditional grades for some students. The paper describes what it takes to create a successful program that encourages teacher collaboration. A sidebar…

A study explored how six childcare providers who have included children with special needs are able to provide care on a daily basis. Factors included the providers' commitment, finding the balance between resources and needs, problem-solving with parents, access to emotional support and technical assistance, and access to other supports.…