Many aspects of knowledge needed to function in the mainstream society can be acquired more effectively through the use of a culturally relevant curriculum. This belief is based on the transfer principle, which implies that knowledge of the basic skills is not specific to any culture or language. (Author/EB)

Describes the Barbara Taylor Educational Model, developed and implemented in Harlem (New York) and in day care and Head Start programs of the Somerset Community Action Program (New Jersey). Presents case studies illustrating how the model enables students to overcome barriers to their development posed by racism, sexism, and classism. (MW)

Research summarized here demonstrates how similarity thinking can be used in training programs to help ethnic minority children acquire basic skills. Current achievements are often attenuated by poor language skills, especially when English is not the first language of the child. Similarity thinking assesses the child's ability to learn without…

As the United States school population becomes more linguistically and culturally diverse, teachers are challenged to provide full access, equality of instruction, and appropriate learning environments to all students. It is estimated that more than 20 percent of the 45 million school-age children live in households in which languages other than…