The achievement gap between fortunate and less fortunate young children was the leading motivation for expanding and changing the kindergarten curriculum in Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools. The more rigorous, new curriculum became accelerated and literacy-based, focusing on mathematics, reading, art, music, and physical education. (MLH)

A published author's bad experiences with the writing portion of high stakes exams illustrate how such evaluations do not give everyone a fair shot at success. The author's test failures resulted from poor handwriting, inability to shorten the reflective thinking process, and unwillingness to communicate in a rigidly task-oriented form. Contains 6…

Provides background on civic education in the United States and differentiates between civic and citizenship education. Discusses content and reflective inquiry instructional approaches and their integration through national standards. States that national standards have the potential to refocus attention on civic learning. Addresses the future of…

Focuses on higher pedagogical education in Russia addressing the lack of specialized literature, reduction in classroom hours devoted to specialized and methodological disciplines, and lack of faculties for upgrading qualification. Discusses humanization, humanitarization, and standardization of education. Believes that the plan to reform higher…

Public education could be significantly improved if proponents of standards-based reform could join with critics of high-stakes testing (the "evil twin") and outlaw using such tests as sole indicators of student success. Authentic, standards-based reform is concerned with equity and quality, demands teacher collaboration, and addresses demands for…

A charter school in Kenai, Alaska, offers back-to-basics curriculum and direct instruction. The school has drawn many home-schoolers back to the public school system, and consistently scores high on standardized tests. The school's success is attributed to teachers' collaboration and common vision, continuity across grades, high academic…

Provides a speech that was presented to the National Art Education Association national convention on March 26, 1999, that focused on (1) the changes in art education; (2) the disappointments and lessons learned from failed attempts at innovation; and (3) the issues that will be faced in the future of arts education. (CMK)

Reviews research literature and policy documents on mathematics education, concluding that a combination of high quality curriculum materials, professional development, pedagogical strategies, and assessment, based on recent standards documents, is necessary but not sufficient for achieving mathematics for all. Educators and policymakers need more…

Discusses how the role of the teacher has changed and expanded to accommodate the integration of technology into the classroom. Topics include beginning to use technology; teachers' technology training; curriculum management systems; instituting standards of learning; individualized instruction possibilities; embedded assessment tools; student…

Considers how to maintain academic integrity when using Web-based instruction in higher education. Highlights include standards for traditional courses; accountability; secure testing; and creating a virtual community, including collaborative learning elements. (LRW)

The issue of state-imposed standards and high-stakes tests for graduation and promotion has polarized communities and school boards. Lawsuits have arisen in Texas, Louisiana, Arizona, Indiana, and California. Although opinion polls still strongly support standards and accountability, a backlash is spreading in some districts. (MLH)

Discusses the importance of teaching geography, focusing on the multiple perspectives associated with a physical place. Provides suggestions for exploring these perspectives at the primary, intermediate, and high school levels in a geography-centered social studies classroom. (CMK)

Formerly National Education Association president, Mary Futrell got NEA to support the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and helped shift NEA's focus to professional development and human-rights issues. She believes teachers must help state and district entities set academic and professional-development standards. (MLH)

Responds to the article "Opportunities Lost: Teachers Learning about the New York State Social Studies Framework" by S. G. Grant. Contests ideas on the professional development opportunities used with the New York social studies framework. Considers the intentions of the professional development as political and the role of assessment.…

Examines the interplay between the federal Title I schoolwide program and the first 2 years of a systemwide reform, Children Achieving, in high-poverty, urban Philadelphia schools. In spite of intense institutional competition and contention at the district level, there were major efforts to facilitate policy coordination at different levels of…