Researchers and practitioners agree that learning styles stem from a nature/nurture combination; students of all styles can be successful learners; students are more successful when using their style strengths; and diverse teaching styles are essential. This article discusses implementation issues, cultural factors, alternative teaching styles,…

In a New Hampshire school, literacy portfolios enable students to plan a relevant curriculum for themselves. After learning what each student values, teachers seek ways to honor students' concerns and outside interests. Instead of passively awaiting the next assignment, students make their own plans and, with teacher coaching, become better…

For inclusiveness to foster growth and cultural enrichment for all its members, teachers need much more than classes on handicapping conditions. Teachers must be prepared through preservice and inservice training to enter a new school community where all students are valued and expected to learn. Syracuse University offers a task force or teaming…

Although more than 40 states have developed public school choice plans, not all plans are equally effective. Problems and possibilities of school choice options in East Harlem (New York), Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, and Wisconsin are outlined. Sidebars list types of plans and elements of successful plans. Includes 13 references. (MLH)

Arizona At-Risk Pilot Project results suggest most effective means to involve parents are those that establish personal rapport between someone from the school and a parent and do not initially require high levels of commitment or participation. The "ideal" parent may be hard to find, but getting to know parents individually and…

Explores the ethical issues involved in using standardized tests to implement a state-level policy. Examines the fourth grade science program evaluation test administered in New York State for the first time in 1989. A utilitarian view of ethics ignores the consequences of testing for different constituents, obviates caring behavior, and damages…

Discusses looping, or multiyear assignment of children, as a strategy to ease the retention/social-promotion dilemma. Multiyear assignment gives teachers extra time to bring low-performing students up to grade level and develop stable, caring relationships with students. A suburban Kansas school's successful program is profiled. (24 references)…

Development of a computerized questionnaire and inventory designed to identify college students with weak or ineffective study skills is described. The instruments are part of a computer software package being developed to support students and faculty in improving study skills. The rationale under which students are advised in the program is also…

The media selection guidelines in this booklet have been developed to further emphasize fairness and respect for all individuals in Saskatchewan (Canada) schools. The six forms of bias that may appear in learning materials include: (1) invisibility--underrepresenting certain groups; (2) stereotyping--assigning rigid roles or attributes to a group;…

The observations of a teacher educator who spent a semester teaching in a mainstreamed elementary classroom are recorded in this monograph. Case studies of students form the framework for the consideration of the broader implications and problems involved in mainstreaming. Illustrative classroom practices are offered to clarify such concepts as…

Presents a solution-focused treatment model that incorporates macro and micro views of ethnic differences and similarities. It is argued that not all clients from the same ethnic group experience life in similar ways. Use of the model is explored through a discussion of the treatment of Asian-American clients. (SLD)