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Hands-On Science, New Friends Are Magnet School's Draw
The hands-on science curriculum Two Rivers Magnet Middle School in East Hartford, Connecticut, brings together students from five communities to learn about research and one another.

Notes from the Education Underground (An Education World e-Interview With John Taylor Gatto)
John Taylor Gatto proudly declares himself a saboteur, out to overturn our educational system. In his latest book, The Underground History of American Education, published by Oxford Village Press, Gatto labels the current system "a conspiracy against ourselves" and suggests ways of "breaking out of the trap." Always provocative and challenging, he talked recently with Education World writer Sharon Cromwell about what's wrong with compulsory education, how the Prussian approach to education influenced U.S. education for the worse, and other compelling issues.

Supreme Court Rules on Funding Equipment for Religious Schools
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled this week that federal tax money could be used to pay for computers and other instructional equipment for religious schools on Wednesday. The 6 to 3 decision included three opinions weighing in on the longstanding controversial issue.

More and More States Embrace Charter Schools
More and more states embracing latest wave in education reform. President Clinton calls for 3,000 charter schools by next century; we're one-quarter of way there.

What Really Matters in American Education?
The Department of Education minces no words in stating its position on private school vouchers: "Using public tax dollars for private school vouchers fundamentally undermines 200 years of public education in America." Vouchers and other key issues are examined in a new Department of Education report.

A recent U.S. Department of Education report looks at the differences and similarities of public and private schools.
Which is better: public schools or private schools? In the debate over school effectiveness, public schools may come out the losers. Private schools are often perceived to be more effective, with at least some evidence to buttress that position.

Government Releases Charter School Report
"A Study of Charter Schools: First-Year Report" was recently released by the U.S. Department of Education. The study includes the first definitive survey of all charter schools (90% of all charter schools in operation as of the 1995-96 school year).