This article discusses how an urban middle school designed to reflect a Schools for Thought model has demonstrated that urban schools can achieve excellent results on statewide testing for all students, including those with disabilities. Key school features are highlighted, including the use of "cross-talk" to stimulate discussion and student…

A study focused on identifying the academic characteristics of 21 children and youth who have Asperger syndrome. Students had an extraordinary range of academic achievement scores, extending from significantly above average to far below grade level. Lowest achievement scores were shown for numerical operations, listening comprehension, and written…

Describes an action research project that took place in the Johannesburg College of Education in the period immediately before and after South Africa's first democratic election in 1994. Student teachers from diverse social and cultural backgrounds were introduced to critical language awareness theory and encouraged to read texts critically and…

In a Nova Scotia community where the majority of the children live in poverty, the social concerns of the community are woven throughout the elementary school curriculum, which is taught as extensively as possible through the creative arts. Substantive and potentially controversial issues such as power, equity, and social justice are relevant and…

Described are awareness activities that deal with human population growth, resources, and the environment. Activities include simulations, mathematical exercises, and discussions of the topic. Specific examples of what individuals can do to help are listed. (KR)

A project was developed in southern Tel-Aviv to intellectually foster gifted/socially disadvantaged adolescents. The program's components include mastery of mathematics and English, development of excellence in selected areas, peer group support, and critical thinking development. The paper describes problems encountered by the project and program…

Summarizes the following differences between adult learners and more "traditional" college age students: (1) chronology; (2) developmental progression; (3) motivation; (4) learning style; and (5) intellectual development. Discusses the debate concerning general education. Discusses the necessity of accommodating the needs of the students and ways…

Identifies four areas of deficiency in understanding and applying the principles of the Bill of Rights. Provides guidelines to improve instruction, emphasizing systematic coverage of Bill of Rights topics; analysis of case studies on Bill of Rights issues; and discussion of Bill of Rights issues in an open classroom environment. (CH)

Examines how the strategies of cooperative learning complement inquiry into major global issues. Points out that most of the basic skills identified by Steven Lamy for a global education program are inquiry skills and that cooperative inquiry best serves these objectives. Maintains that cooperative learning empowers students and creates a…

The development of the Science/Society/Technology (STS) movement in the United States is reviewed. The basic philosophy of STS instruction is discussed. Traditional instruction is compared to STS instruction. Suggestions for making STS instruction more effective are provided. (CW)

Secondary vocational education may often fail to develop students' thinking skills, because of teacher-student "negotiation" on academic standards and class content. Proposes engaging a diverse group of students in academically integrated coursework emphasizing experiential learning, basic skill training, entrepreneurial activity, decision making,…

Describes six lessons developed by a library media specialist and two fifth-grade teachers that integrate information skills and content with thinking skills to provide a meaningful research context for students. For each lesson, the specific information and thinking skills targeted, learning activities, resources used, and evaluation methods are…

Areas discussed in six articles include: literature for critical reading activities; computer software packages for elementary and secondary science classes; professional materials for school media specialists; recommended materials for school libraries; the results of a study of the effectiveness of computer assisted instruction; and documents on…

Discusses the unique approaches, well-put notions, fine-tuned procedures, or insightful conclusions in 10 dissertations nominated for the 1989 Outstanding Dissertation Award from the International Reading Association. (RS)

Discusses two conceptions of educational achievement: as mastery of basic skills and facts and as mastery of higher order skills and advanced knowledge. Explores the impact of the different conceptions on research topics, the ways teachers think about their teaching, and the public's view of educational goals. Changes in conceptions are discussed.…