A survey of 150 poor rural students in grades 4-8 revealed that age is relevant in choosing role models, that there are major gender differences in the types of glamour figures selected as role models and as simple figures of success, and that age and gender appear to affect youth's perceptions of success and their occupational choice. (LP)

Profiles the Master Teacher in Family Life Program developed by the University of Massachusetts Cooperative Extension Service, which provides training and support to leaders within high-risk communities, who then act as counselors, role models, and advisors to youth and families. Discusses the development of the program in Springfield,…

Tests five hypotheses about attitudes toward illegal immigration and undocumented migrants using public opinion data from southern California. Data supported cultural affinity between respondents and undocumented migrants and to the role of education. Respondents' evaluations of tangible costs and benefits to themselves also influence their…

This Louisiana System for Teaching and Learning Assessment and Review (STAR) illustrates conceptual, methodological, and social/political issues emerging when the decision-making model used to make teacher certification decisions does not fit the assumptions of the measurement system used to collect the data. (SLD)

Describes the Multidimension Curriculum Model for developing a language curriculum and suggests a generic approach to selecting and sequencing learning objectives. Alberta Education used this model to design a new French-as-a-Second-Language program. The experience/communication, culture, language, and general language components at the beginning,…

A nonlinear conceptual framework for creation of knowledge that sees knowledge flowing in many directions and knowledge created in many different ways is the basis for an expanded, more inclusive view of scholarship. This suggests a new formulation for common characteristics of scholarship and common criteria for its assessment. (JB)

Discusses total quality management as a holistic model of improvement for education which can be integrated with other school restructuring models. Elements of the model are explained, including administrative support, needs assessments, quality specifications, strategic planning, and progress assessments, both formative and summative; and three…

The theoretical basis and practical alternatives of critical pedagogy are applied to graduate courses in physical education by illustrating how critical pedagogy affirms the personal and bridges it to the political; by analyzing and deconstructing the faulty paradigmatic assumptions of physical education in higher education; and by providing an…

This article provides a framework for the rest of the articles in this special issue comparing the utility of three standard-setting methods with complex performance assessments. The context of the standard setting study is described, and the methods are outlined. (SLD)

Expanded the applicability of stage models to the reduction of HIV-risk behaviors. Distributed not-in-treatment crack cocaine smokers and intravenous drug users across three levels of intention to change, which revealed that benefits of change and condom assertiveness varied across the stages of change. Discusses other findings. (RJM)

Using the production-function approach and data from Baltimore (Maryland) public elementary schools, a study shows that school size minimally affects student performance on standardized achievement tests. Regression analysis shows the importance of students' socioeconomic status and negative effects of school input measures such as teacher/pupil…

The expert science teaching educational evaluation model (ESTEEM) developed by the Center for Research on Educational Accountability and Teacher Evaluation is described. Its theoretical premises and research conducted from 1990 through 1993 are focuses. Nearly 200 fourth- through eighth-grade teachers were involved in that period. (SLD)

Presents a developmental framework for cultural competence training with children. Recommends that social workers synchronize training with children's developmental levels and cultural learning readiness in cognitive, affective, and behavioral areas. Translates multicultural practice theory into concrete skills and methods that social workers can…

Gives an overview of a center's efforts to provide group support for grieving children. Discusses the grief process, how children of various ages express grief, and major themes in children's grief. Offers details on establishing grief support groups, including information on group structure, preparation, format, and suggestions for sessions. (RJM)

This response to five case studies and reactions to them finds agreement that special education in inclusive programs is, by design, no longer "special." It urges: (1) adding resources to strengthen the continuum of services; (2) special educators to join general educators to re-create schools; (3) instructional focus on individual needs; and (4)…