Verbal skills traditional in many Black communities were acquired by a pattern of socialization that was not as congruent with school use of written and oral language as the mainstream socialization process. The changing language use needs of the workplace present an educational challenge for both minority and mainstream populations. (Author/BJV)

Describes the goals of the Environmental Education Review Committee and presents the results of a survey on the importance of environmental education. Lists recommendations from the Committee. Provides some demographic and geographic data on the region. (YP)

Describes the revision of the 1987 edition of "The Wisconsin Library Media Skills Guide" to emphasize information skills rather than library skills. Topics discussed include cooperation between library/media specialists and classroom teachers, including curriculum development and flexible scheduling; new technology; literature use; and…

Reports on a study examining how well several personal variables predict elementary school teachers' use of computers for teaching. Variables examined included innovativeness, teacher locus of control, perceived relevance of computers, and self-competence in using computers. Data on age, gender, and years of computer experience were also…

Argues that the integration of mainstream literacy into social studies instruction is necessary to ensure that students in urban middle school classrooms learn content. Also argues for instruction from a "multiple literacies" approach in order to validate and engage disinterested students. (CFR)

Discusses future education for library media specialists that will reflect the changes being brought about as a result of school restructuring. Topics include an educational model based on instructional specialization, realigned staffing patterns, a global perspective, information literacy, and helping students construct effective mental…

Describes an eighth grade computer literacy course in which students used spreadsheet programs to illustrate statistics for classroom presentations. Discusses the use of color and animation in graphs, and the value of active participation using technology to increase student motivation, retention, and self-expression. (AEF)

In a classroom setting with young bilingual children and their parents, oral and written code switching allowed for effective communication among parents, children, and instructor in a way that was natural and comfortable for all involved. Proposes that code switching be viewed as part of a whole language approach in bilingual contexts. (Author/TD)

Reviews studies suggesting benefits of block play for literacy development that provides actual reading and writing experiences. Suggests that block play centers can be literacy-enhanced with materials that are authentic, useful, and appropriate, including: thematic books, magazines, architectural blueprints, envelopes, and adding machine tape.…

Researchers consistently underestimate the enormous potential of children to participate in the construction of their own learning environments and as research partners in examining learning. The paper chronicles one 6-year collaborative project with students on research in literacy learning and highlights students' perspectives on what the…

Examines the proposed definition of biological literacy as the understanding of a small number of pervasive biological principles appropriate to making informed personal and societal decisions. Utilizes the content of a major daily newspaper to adjust biology instruction to focus on this notion of biological literacy. Discusses benefits and…

Argues that nonmainstream (nonwhite and nonmiddle class) students do not perform as well in school as do mainstream students because they are not equitably served by the educational system. Equity issues in the literacy education of minorities are explored, examining student characteristics, sociocultural factors, language issues, and…

Examines ways in which language practices in the classroom, particularly those involved with reading and writing stories, are gendered literary practices. Argues that the gendered nature of classroom literacy practices requires more critical scrutiny and that texts cannot be treated as separate from their cultural production. (SLD)

Discusses the history and findings of the National Commission on Library and Information Science's field investigations of library services for Native Americans. Concerns include literacy, collecting strengths, extent of library services, professional training for librarians, federal support, and access to collections both on and off reservations.…

Teachers must acknowledge and validate minority students' home language without using it to limit their potential. Educators who are committed to teaching all students can help such students transcend their home language, acquire a secondary discourse, and succeed in mainstream schools without losing respect for their home culture. (SM)