This article focuses on why and how speech-language pathologists and other professionals can encourage the involvement of parents in teaching social communication skills to their young children. Four main topics are explored: (1) the evidence that many of the children with special needs served by speech-language pathologists and other…

The article discusses cultural variation in narrative genres, use, and learning. The ethnocentricity of many current approaches to the study of narratives is pointed out. Four universal types of narrative are identified (recounts, eventcasts, accounts, and stories). Teachers should not assume a common cultural background in children's access to…

Subcultural differences existing among various Chinese immigrant groups are described, through examination of such cultural characteristics as languages, religions, philosophy, and family life. Two case studies reveal the difficulties inherent in conducting educational evaluations of Chinese children with special needs. (JDD)

This article uses two case studies of eighth grade students (one attending an Amish school and the other in a residential school for adjudicated juveniles) to illustrate the power of ethnography to contextualize literacy experiences. Five ethnographic questions are suggested for literacy assessment. (DB)

The article presents general information on the history, cultures, and languages of the major Asian/Pacific immigrant and refugee groups. Knowledge required to become a cross-cultural communicator is outlined, including professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes; knowledge of cultures, languages, and discourse styles; and knowledge of family…

A study comparing the educational performance of limited-English-proficient (LEP) and fluent-English-proficient (FEP) Southeast Asian students as a whole with that of other LEP and FEP ethnic groups finds that the five main Indochinese ethnic groups exhibit significant socioeconomic and ethnocultural diversity, impacting on their academic…

The article reviews approaches used in the Kamehameha Elementary Education Program (KEEP) in Hawaii to increase reading skills of educationally at-risk Polynesian-Hawaiian children (K-grade 3). Whole class story reading lessons and small group reading comprehension lessons are described. (CL)