Contributors: Sep. 11, 2000

JODIE MORSE, one of our education writers, probes the promise and pitfalls of standardized K-to-12 testing, particularly in Texas. Her story helps introduce a new regular feature in TIME, a monthly Special Report on Education that will examine the people, ideas and disputes that are reshaping the classroom. Consider those controversial exams; she notes, "They cause immense anxiety in a lot of homes." Also in this issue, writer reporter Andrew Goldstein, a former teacher, looks at colleges that have made the SAT optional; and reporter Rebecca Winters, whose mother is a school superintendent, profiles home schoolers in colleges. Reporter Desa Philadelphia contributes education briefs--call them flash cards if you like. Principals take note: our editors will select a TIME "School of the Year" at the end of the 2000-2001 academic period.