Argues that, especially in culturally diverse classrooms, students' stories can be a rich source of information about their worlds, values, and linguistic styles. (RS)

This "White Paper" examines issues surrounding the assessment of culturally diverse learners for behavioral disorders, and argues for use of a more functional assessment approach. The paper also points out that many facets of the functional assessment perspective already exist in two recent educational movements--pre-referral…

The ideas of Foucault are used to analyze how gender is conceptualized in the teaching of mathematics. The discursive practices of textbooks, teaching methods, examinations, and use of space in classrooms are described for gender bias as well as rules and roles in mathematics classes. (DC)

Discusses international collaboration between teachers and students through the National Geographic Society's Kids Network and provides examples from various countries. Topics include language barriers and opportunities, cultural differences, differences in teaching styles and curriculum, cost considerations, and preparation time. A sidebar lists…

Discusses gender differences in the use of computers and the need to achieve greater computer equity. Highlights include curriculum and staff development issues; instructional techniques to encourage computer equity; and a new model of instructional design based on Keller's Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction (ARCS) model that addresses…

Investigated pragmatic declarative and procedural knowledge as realized by routine formulas and conversational strategies with 19 American college students learning German as a Second Language. The results suggest that language instruction that has the goal of developing metapragmatic declarative and procedural knowledge results in real progress…

Argues that sociocultural differences among target populations should lead to a reconceptualization of early literacy theory and practice that highlights the social nature and cultural meaning of child literacy development. Infusing situatedness and culture into the ways that educators observe and make sense of children's written language should…

Some conceptual, empirical, and political limitations of antiracist education are discussed. It is often viewed as too political and reductive, painting stereotypical pictures of racism. Further criticisms are that it is narrow and that antiracist interventions show negligible, or negative, results. (SLD)

Focuses on the resonance and power of the Madonna, or the Virgin Mary, in literature and culture. Argues that the Madonna represents womanhood and feminism. Describes how the multiple readings of "The Scarlet Letter" charted one professor's changing relationship over 10 years with the Jesuit institution where she taught. (HB)

Challenges the thinking about planning activities for children around holidays in Head Start programs. Discusses the role of holidays as family events and the difficulties surrounding teaching preschoolers the meaning of holidays. Suggests ways to use holidays as an opportunity to truly expand children's knowledge using child development…

Tips for teaching students about Native Americans include reading poems that lead to the study of certain tribes, studying the present day as well as the past, having Native Americans visit the classroom, reading culturally sensitive books on Native Americans, and acknowledging differences between tribes. (SM)

The consequences of exchanging ideas while making joint decisions about the paths followed by falling objects are addressed. Based on the results from 12- to 15-year-old pupils (n=82) who responded to computer-presented problems, it is indicated that benefits are to be gained but that constraints additional to joint decision making may be…

Investigated effects of two small group methods (print or video presentation) of teaching communication skills to eleventh grade students (n=96). Found no overall significant difference between two teaching methods. Significant effects were noted for sex but not for extroversion/introversion. Findings support effectiveness of role-play to teach…

Reviews two books on issues of Native American education: (1) "Light of the Feather: Pathways through Contemporary Indian America" (M. Fedullo); and (2) "Teaching American Indian Students" (J. Rehner). (ME)

This article summarizes cultural linguistic trends of the past decade and projects them into future years. Responses of educators to cultural linguistic diversity are reviewed. Problems posed by this diversity are identified and suggestions are offered for teaching the culturally and linguistically different child. (DB)