Articles

The Brain and Behavior -- Programmed for Violence?
In the aftermath of the latest school violence in Colorado, the entire country is once again asking "Why?" Many researchers and educators now believe that some of those answers -- and perhaps some solutions -- might be found in brain research.

Growing Bigger Brains: Research Affects How Teachers Teach
To enhance public awareness of the benefits to be derived from brain research, Congress designated the 1990s as the Decade of the Brain. Now, as that decade draws to a close, Education World takes a look at the results of some of the most recent brain research and explores the implications for you and your students.

Emphasizing Sportsmanship in Youth Sports
Coaches, teachers, and parents serve as role models for sportsmanlike behaviors in children. This story from the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports examines the latest research on the topic of developing sportsmanship.

Making the Case for Music Education
What will it be -- music or computers? In some communities, it all comes down to that question. New research, special programs, and dedicated teachers and community members are helping to make a solid case for putting music "Bach" into our schools!

Have You Heard? Noise Can Effect Learning!
A handful of research studies confirm that noise has a negative effect on a child's ability to learn. Also, "noise education" should be part of the school curriculum; kids should know how to protect their ears from harm.

Making the Case for the Fourth `R: Art!
Reading and riting and rithmetic and rt (art)? Many school districts are strengthening the art components of their curricula in light of new research on the benefits of arts education.

Class Size Reduction: Success Stories Noted in New Report
*** Looking to make a case for reduced class size? Last month, the U.S. Department of Education released a report, "Local Success Stories: Reducing Class Size." The 9-page report describes challenges and opportunities in efforts to reduce class size. Included: The latest research on class size reduction.

Technology in the Schools: It *Does* Make a Difference!
This year, the Clinton administration earmarked an additional $25 million over last year's budget to help schools integrate technology into the curriculum and for technology training for teachers. Will spending all that money really help kids learn? This week, Education World examines both sides of the *Is technology worth it?* debate. This story focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case in favor of technology in the schools. Included: Resources to help make the case for technology.

Technology in Schools: Some Say It Doesn't Compute!
Technology changes faster than educational researchers can study it. Although many researchers insist computers are valuable in schools, they readily admit they can't yet say whether technology actually helps kids achieve educational goals. Have schools jumped onto the technology bandwagon too soon? In this story, Education World focuses on some of the research that makes a strong case against the way technology is currently used in schools.

In the Loop: Students and Teachers Progressing Together
Looping ---when a teacher moves with his or her students to the next grade level rather than sending them to another teacher at the end of the school year--- was initially advocated by early 20th-century Austrian educator Rudolf Steiner and since has been used successfully for years in Europe. Despite the successful experiences of European school systems, looping is still uncommon enough in the United States to be considered innovative. Included: Looping research and comments from kids ---pro and con--- about looping.

Are Smaller Schools the Answer?
Michael Klonsky, of the University of Illinois (Chicago) College of Education says, "A compelling body of research shows that when students are part of smaller and more intimate learning communities, they are more successful." This week, Education World takes a look at some of that research.

Site Reviews

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Education. The NECS gathers and analyzes data on the state of education in America and disseminates its findings through annual publications, both on the Internet and in hard copy.

North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL)
NCREL's mission is to "strengthen and support schools and communities in systemic change so that all students achieve standards of educational excellence,"..."to help teachers teach better, students learn better, administrators provide better leadership, and policy makers make better policy."

Library in the Sky (Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory)
The Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory is one of ten national educational research and development organizations supported by the U.S. Department of Education to improve education.

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