Highlights the crucial role of language in child development, including intellectual development and the development of the brain. Describes the types of messages children receive from their parents' words, the importance of talking with children and exposing children to words without pictures, and ways schools can help parents develop children's…

Middle schools are a critical element in preparing for postsecondary education. Students must be offered a challenging curriculum, moral support, and guidance that strengthens their commitment to education. Few reform efforts have consciously emphasized this role in precollege preparation. There is a need for detracking and increased emphasis on…

A report prepared by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and education organization, captures, frames, and focuses the public's concerns about public schools. Higher standards and more challenging work are supported, with emphasis on safety, order, and the basics of education, coupled with skepticism about unproven reform efforts. (SLD)

Four components of high-achieving middle schools together provide for the refocusing of middle level education on student achievement, while being attentive to the needs of the early adolescent learner. Those components are: a culture that supports achievement, ongoing discussion about achievement, a supportive structure, and an academically…

Presents an interview with historian Cary Carson of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and author William Styron on the role of history in society. Outlines the once-proposed Disney history theme park near Mannassas, Virginia. Discusses historical interpretation, museums, historical sites, and popular history. (CFR)

Reviews three applications of a model of outcomes to the collection of data: (1) the extent to which students benefit from educational experiences; (2) the extent to which students achieve IEP objectives; and (3) the development of transition IEPs. Argues that conceptual models of indicators enhance educational programs for individuals with…

One of five articles on professional development schools in this theme issue. This annotated bibliography of resources from the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) features journal articles, reports, and project descriptions related to conceptualizations, planning, implementation, and evaluation of professional development schools. The…

Childrens' psychological well-being is threatened by many of today's social ills. It is important to protect childrens' minds and let them consider schools a safe haven where they are supported, nurtured, and welcomed. Because many parents cannot foster self-esteem, teachers and schools must help students feel important. (SM)

In addressing dental licensing reform issues, the American Association of Dental Schools and deans of dental schools must provide both leadership and advocacy. Issues include limited geographic mobility of dentists resulting from state licensing differences, licensing of dentists through credentials, and development of a national dental licensing…

G. S. Counts' (1889-1974) perspective on education is more relevant today than a brief review of his controversial pamphlet "Dare the School Build a New Social Order?" suggests. Counts emphasized the broad social responsibility of the educator and the need for broad preparation in education as a social study. (SLD)

Describes results of a survey of library schools in the United Kingdom, Australia, and North America that was conducted to determine the schools' roles in educating their students about library service to cultural minorities. Highlights include race awareness training and minority faculty and student representation in library schools. (LRW)

Examines data on the etiology of health-compromising behavior. Proposes a four-part model of adolescent problem behavior and a seven-part model for school-based intervention programs. Reviews and compares four successful innovative programs. Discusses implications of the model program for educational practice. (BC)

Reports on a survey of preservice teachers regarding their perceptions of gender and ethnic disparity in academic achievement. Most of the subjects recognized the ways that society and school contribute to gender disparities, and over half mentioned society and school as factors contributing to ethnic disparities. (SM)

Argues that close examination of prevailing school "meanings" must occur for schools to adjust to the diversity of the "new demographics." Examines some factors that cause U.S. schools to shun change and innovation in their design: culturally biased meanings of concepts associated with schooling. (JB)

Coordination of schools and child protective services (CPSs) concerning child abuse reporting was studied via a survey of 267 public school principals. National data reveal that school staff generally comply with reporting laws. However, CPS policies limiting reports and focusing resources on the most serious cases counteract school district…