Describes the evolution of the "Equals" and "Family Math" programs at the University of California (Berkeley) from a single-focus equity program to a multiple focus. Explains specifics of each program's philosophy, methods, and impacts, and describes the program characteristics that enable students to succeed in mathematics.…

Describes a variety of writing activities and community service projects designed to develop middle school students' civic identity and pride in being citizens of the state of Kentucky. Includes teaching ideas and a project evaluation. (PRA)

Compares responses of teachers participating in curriculum committees at societal and institutional levels of educational system. Differences found in teachers' motivations to join committees and in satisfactions or dissatisfactions they derived from participation. Suggests that curriculum development changes as it becomes farther removed from…

Systems thinking involves seeing relationships between the parts to the whole within the school improvement effort. After providing the key principles and examples of systems thinking, the article emphasizes the importance of staff development, highlighting experiences at a Wellesley (Massachusetts) middle school and an Alaskan high school. (SM)

Contends that the end of the Cold War does not necessarily mean the triumph of democracy. Presents contemporary interpretations of the democratic concepts of liberty, equality, and fraternity. Asserts that responsible action in a democratic society requires continued reflection about values education. (CFR)

This interview with George J. Funario, Deputy Secretary of the Maryland Higher Education Commission, examines the roles that states can play in reforming higher education, drawing on Maryland's experience. The importance of educating minority group members is emphasized, and the role of the federal government in making a financial commitment is…

Explores developments in the United Kingdom with regard to the recent endorsement in the national curriculum of the importance of speaking and listening skills (oracy). Observations in six inner-city London schools reflect ambiguities in policy and practice. The results of an oracy policy regarding assessment are still unclear. (SLD)

Presents tips to help teachers develop and manage valid, truly authentic assessments that are linked to daily class instruction, discussing how to refine assessments, get parents involved, encourage self-assessment, and make criteria clear. A model developmental reading scale for bringing more uniformity to reading assessment is presented. (SM)

Argues that active learning should be the goal of every teacher. Contends that this can be achieved through the use of cooperative learning, attention to learning styles, and hands-on strategies. Includes a lesson plan utilizing audiovisual aids. (CFR)

For 25 years, the Trinidad and Tobago nongovernmental organization Servol has bridged differences of class and ideology to forge private and public partnerships that build up the nation by investing in youth given up for lost. Servol has expanded the culture of philanthropy, promoted corporate support of trade schools and apprenticeship programs,…

Calls upon Canadian Aboriginal communities to take control of their children's education by breaking free of inappropriate Western educational practices; moving from rhetoric to action in the areas of native language instruction, outdoor learning, involvement of Elders, and parent participation; and developing community-based evaluations of…

Argues that case studies can be used for cooperative learning activities to nurture reflective practice in preservice music teachers. The case studies are fictional narratives illustrating various teaching styles and representative situations. Includes examples of case studies, students' responses, and follow-up activities. (MJP)

After-school programs provide youngsters with supervision, enriching experiences, and learning opportunities. Effective programs address children's academic, recreational, and cultural needs. Planners must train staff, volunteers, and administrators; create a structured academic program; align curricula; involve families and communities; evaluate…

Discusses using Donna Haraway's concept of affinity and affinity politics as a foundation for structuring collaborative pedagogy and feminist syllabi. Outlines the goals and assumptions of affinity-based pedagogy, and relates classroom experiences that illustrate its functioning. Notes the lessons that both students and teachers have taken away…

Evaluated a project between an elementary school and state university in which international parents from the community were trained as instructors of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language and culture, following up on instruction provided by native-speaking graduate students. Interviews and observations indicated that students were very positive…