In Canada, provincial support of school systems has shifted from funding that addresses concerns of access to funding that addresses outcomes determined by the needs of influential societal groups. Despite this apparent priority shift, economic difficulties have resulted in funding mechanisms that are highly accountable in terms of spending but…

Examines aspects of family structure, child-rearing practices, and help-seeking behavior in African American culture, and areas of conflict with the dominant American culture that result in ineffective social services delivery. Recommends that child welfare workers cultivate culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental attitudes. Contains 39 references.…

Asserts that many educational innovations introduced into developing nations from developed nations fail. Describes a project utilizing community involvement and individualized instruction that was introduced into Jamaica after successful development and implementation in the Philippines. Concludes that the project failed. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the effects of culture, gender, and age on interpersonal distance, body orientation, and touch among 381 same-sex and mixed-sex dyads in 7 nations. Finds that more touch was observed among Italian and Greek dyads than among English, French, and Dutch dyads. (CFR)

The evolution of a diversity education program at McGeorge School of Law (University of the Pacific, California) is chronicled and response to it is discussed. The program involved a lecture on cultural sensitivity and follow-up small-group discussion sessions involving faculty and students. While the program did not meet the expectations of all…

Reports on a study of the comparative philosophies and practices of secondary teachers in schools in New York State and near Moscow, Russia. Finds that teachers have two value orientations: (1) toward the school culture; and (2) toward each person's individual values and ways of thinking. (CFR)

Examines the function of community college counselors in the context of immigrant students. Argues that colleges should provide students with separate English-as-a-Second-Language orientations, and that counselors should assist students in understanding the American job market and encourage students to familiarize themselves with American…

Describes and comments upon a Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad Program trip to China. Discusses economic, social, and political changes in China during recent years. Provides recommendations for instructional resources for teaching about China. (CFR)

Maintains that although Germany and England's vocational training systems both grew out of the Industrial Revolution, social and economic characteristics resulted in significantly different systems. England chose a more market driven approach while Germany relied on the authority of the central government. (MJP)

Examined the ability of 72 Polish university students of English to respond appropriately to the formulaic greeting "How are you (doing) (today)?" Found that nearly half of these advanced language students failed to perceive the formulaic nature of the question. (MDM)

Stresses the importance of understanding the world views of diverse cultural groups and acknowledging differences in communication styles and patterns when planning transitional services for disabled minority students in rural areas. Includes suggestions for effective transition planning for culturally diverse students and their families. (LP)

Reports on the research and development of a history textbook on Puerto Rico. Discusses the issues of historical synthesis and the special problems associated with writing a book about an island that is neither an independent nation nor a colonial possession. (CFR)

Offers a sociolinguistic appraisal of the representation of languages (as "languages" or "dialects") in the Indian census, with special reference to the status of Maithili. Classifying Maithili as an independent language threatens the homogeneity of the "Hindi belt"; conversely, treating it as a Hindi dialect might…

Provides a 32-item annotated bibliography of recommended instructional materials on cultural pluralism, equal protection, and constitutional rights. Includes materials for both students and teachers. Categorizes the 32 items as books, periodicals, computer software, videotapes, and other materials. (CFR)

Summarizes findings of a survey of eight First Nation (Canada Native) communities concerning the provision of child and family services. The results identify important differences concerning the causality of child welfare problems, the definition of key child welfare concepts, and the place of cultural values and practices in intervention. (MDM)