Architecture
Review of "Between Earth and Heaven: The Architecture of John Lautner"
John Lautner's striking architecture blurred the boundaries between earth and heaven. These essays draw on writings, papers, construction drawings, photographs, and other materials from The John Lautner Foundation Archive to give the architect his just place in the realm of architectural giants.
K-12 Education
Students Tracking Their Own Data Make Gains
Students at Verrado Middle School in Buckeye, AZ, know exactly what their test scores and grades mean and use them to set academic, social, and behavioral goals for the future.
Reinventing Education Alaska-style
An Alaska school district replaced a failed educational model through diligent work with the community. By inventing the system, the Chugach Quality Schools Model has improved test scores, reduced drop-out rates, and helped maintain its teaching staff. Everyone wins.
Food for Thought at a Vermont Elementary School
Connecting students with local sources of food in Burlington, VT, not only teaches students about sustainability, but has helped to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers separating students in this diverse community.
Kansas Elementary School Closes the Achievement Gap
A school's literacy framework at all grade levels improves students' aptitude in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, closing the achievement gap for low-income students and English language learners.
A Michigan district gets physical with reading
Body Phonics, a tactile and kinesthetic approach to reading, gets students physically involved as sounds, letters, and words are munched, crunched, and pounced on. Students struggling with reading now enjoy it and are better readers through this unique system.
Books
Research Papers Unzipped
A short, informative guide that unzips the mystery of how to write a research paper for students of all ages. August 2007, Peterson's.
Travel Articles
Hip Meets History
Old Town Alexandria has a new vibe with hip hotels and restaurants headed by star chefs.