Profiles some of the efforts of Appalachian educators to connect area children with their heritage while combating the trends toward school dropout and poverty. Teaching students the history behind their own dialect and customs helps them accept the customs and speech of others and helps them overcome stereotypes. (SLD)

Revitalization of the Nishinaabeg language started in 1998 with the development of language materials. A committee on Nishinaabemwin orthography advised on the development of the text and writing system. Teaching methods follow the four parts of Medicine Wheel teachings: spiritual, emotional, physical, and mental. An interactive hockey game and a…

Mexican-descent families' language socialization experiences and the evolution of their bilingualism were examined through interviews with 63 third-graders and their parents of various immigrant generations and followup interviews with 38 families 4-7 years later. Interviews revealed extremely positive attitudes about English, Spanish,…

Describes the European Union's LINGUA program promoting foreign language competence as the result of political agenda-setting and European integration, finds it a form of language planning. Analyzes the five program priorities and attention given to promotion of the least widely used and taught languages, particularly in relation to English.…

The challenge of containing health-care costs continues despite a break from cost increases. Most experts would advise school employees to replace existing health plans with a triple-choice HMO plan using $10 copayments. Armed with quality data and a choice-based plan design, school business officials can improve their chances for long-term cost…

Presents evidence that Native peoples' profound understanding of ecology, the nature of individuality, and resulting differences in survival and reproduction led them to develop ideas of evolution through natural selection long before Europeans. Suggests that in order to survive, Native Americans must not allow Western ways of thought, which are…

Studies of Mexican American parents in East Austin (Texas) and rural southern Arizona found that parents' ethnolinguistic vitality was an important determinant of family transmission of Spanish to children, but parental experience of ethnic and language prejudice was an equally potent negative determinant. Implications for language maintenance,…

This study evaluated effects of manipulative instruction on perimeter and area problem-solving performance of three middle or high school students with learning disabilities in mathematics. Students rapidly acquired the problem solving skills, maintained these skills over a two-month period, and transferred the skills to a paper-and-pencil problem…

The effects of social skill training on social behavior was assessed, using a structured learning model with 3 children with behavioral disorders, ages 7-14. Results showed an increase in frequency for most skill areas, an inverse relationship across negative behaviors, maintenance over time, and moderate levels of generalization to nontreatment…

Reviews critical factors in successful language transmission and acquisition, factors responsible for language maintenance and renewal. Considers theoretical issues underlying communities' maintenance and renewal efforts and the reflection of those issues in practical goal-setting plans that outline desired plans that outline language maintenance…

Describes results of a British study conducted to determine current practices related to maintenance of microcomputers in schools. Surveys of schools, a maintenance firm, and local education authorities (LEAs) are described; appropriate staff training is discussed; finances are considered; and a cost-benefit analysis is given. (36 references) (LRW)

School districts should develop a risk management program with policies and procedures that demonstrate reasonable care and that include regular inspection of all buildings and grounds. Highlights areas of potential legal difficulty. (MLF)

Studies the case of a religious group of German immigrants, whose German-American descendants attended German-language parochial schools but received secular instruction in English. Although the situation resulted in English-dominant children rather than the intended German-dominant bilinguals, recent sociolinguistic, psycholinguistic, and…

Most school systems can cut the costs of many of their programs and operations and thereby save an imperiled program or uncover funding for new or expanded programs. Presents examples of creative cost-cutting in plant operations and maintenance, administration, employee benefits, transportation, and teacher employment. (MLF)

Children (n=118) with severe/profound hearing loss were assessed on language and social skills when aged three-five years and again three-four years later. The study failed to obtain evidence of lasting gains associated with intervention during infancy, intensified programing, or direct instruction by parents. (Author/JDD)