Author Jane Anna Gordon begins this commentary by saying that early in her academic career she was struck by the dual character of schools as places that can damage and waste the human potential of some on one hand, and that can and should be put in the service of liberation on the other. She writes that this point was driven home to her through…

China has entered into a new stage of demographic dynamics whereby population-related challenges are more complicated than ever before. The current one-child policy should be modified. However, the anticipated impacts of such a policy change should not be over-exaggerated. China's demographic challenge requires an integrated coping strategy.…

Most societies, rich and poor, seek to measure progress in reducing poverty and need, as indicated by material deprivation or social exclusion. The yardsticks used to assess progress and policy impact mainly include income-based poverty, but broader measures of poverty based on consumption, wealth, and material deprivation are also now coming into…

Citing some alarming statistics concerning our aging population, declining middle-class birthrates, a burgeoning underclass, and the broadening gap between the rich and poor, this article deplores our society's inability to confront the fading "American Dream" and urges schools to begin recruiting more poor and minority children to the middle…

In this article, the authors build upon the use of GIS (Geographic Information Systems) in U.S. history and in current demographic studies, using examples from co-author Herschel Sarnoff's classroom in the Watts section of Los Angeles. They discuss theoretical and conceptual approaches that support student learning with GIS and provide resources…

Explores whether sampling is better than head count for census taking and if there is a genuine undercount distinct from "floating" populations. Discusses whether the census should accommodate the various interests who have addressed the question of the quality of enumeration, as well as the larger responsibilities of demographers for…

Because of recent demographic and technological changes, traditionally stable educational organizations are experiencing high levels of uncertainty and decreases in productivity. To combat disfunctional consequences of change, many institutions have adopted myopic and piecemeal decision-making processes that need to be changed for systematic…

Presents a brief rationale for multicultural environmental education, provides an outlined multicultural critique of environmental education, and offers some draft principles of a multicultural environmental education. The author argues that the best environmental-education approach reveals, sustains, and celebrates the varied cultural traditions…

Criticizes the accuracy of the methodology currently used by the Australian Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs for identifying socioeconomic status of higher education students. Proposes new individually based measures related to the occupation and education of parents when the student was in high school. (Author/DB)

The shift in the age of the population is causing increased attention to the needs of adults in some physical education programs. Adult fitness needs are outlined along with strategies for developing adult-oriented curriculum based on existing programs. (JMF)

The educational system in Jamaica is examined in terms of the comparative numbers of males and females enrolled. Sex-role stereotyping is presented as a reflection of Jamaican society, and suggestions for reform of curriculum based on social goals are offered. (JMF)

Examines subgroups of the homeless population and their needs for shelter. Argues that governments and charities should make distinctions among the highly diverse groups of the homeless and cease providing unlimited and unconditional aid to the able bodied, which tends to ensnare youth in the culture of dependency. (FMW)

Presents a framework to discuss trends in higher education based on the economic concept of production function. Criticism of education and economic and demographic changes are discussed; responses from higher education institutions are examined; and implications for academic libraries are considered. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

The first paper describes the National Technical Information Service productivity improvement system and its emphasis on human resources development. The second addresses the benefits of telecommuting to employers and employees. The third discusses the problems generated by the baby boom work force pressing for advancement at a time when many…

Argues that college size is a valid, readily available, easily understood, and nonjudgmental criterion that relates directly to other important college characteristics. Therefore, size should be considered the main criterion in the classification of community colleges. Using size as a criterion yields interesting patterns showing how community…