Presents a classroom exercise to help rural high school students see that xenophobic attitudes have existed throughout U.S. history. Suggests showing that the culture has survived and been enriched by each new wave of immigration. Lists typical attitudes toward immigrants, especially in rural areas where immigrants rarely are encountered. (DK)

Explores factors that have contributed to recent interest in the privatization of public education and reframes questions about the crisis in public education. The privatization issue has too often been seen as a technical matter, but it should not be pursued without full consideration of the social costs and benefits. (SLD)

To respond effectively to alleged historical misrepresentations and prejudices in Afrocentric and other ethnocentric philosophies, educators must first address our society's inadequacies. Silence suggests complicity and discredits calls for reason, academic scholarship, and the value of learning. Multiculturalism is a world view that is rooted in…

This presidential address discusses realities that may alter political, social, and economic priorities in the future; examines how these realities will affect the lives of people with mental retardation and their families; and addresses ideas for responding to these realities and promoting greater opportunities and quality of life for citizens…

Forty-nine dates and events of significance in the history of South Africa are presented with a brief summary of each event. The chronology begins with the late Stone Age and extends through the political developments of 1990 that signal the decline of racial segregation in South Africa. (SLD)

A new measure of health status, the Health Status Scale, is presented. This five-indicator scale is used as the dependent variable in a regression equation using six common predictors of health status. Results indicate that health facilities are the most significant predictors of health status. (SLD)

Multiculturalism is vital in a society constructed on coalitions whose members seek common ground. The educational system must be the forum for providing the opportunity to value diversity. Selected reviews are presented of six books on multicultural education and society. (SLD)

Discusses the tendency in the United States to blame either Japanese business or the educational system for the economic woes of the United States. Argues that, instead of choosing scapegoats, the United States should focus on solving social problems. Suggest that social studies teachers work to help students overcome prejudice toward the…

Defines literacy needs of immigrants in Canada, using personal stories to illustrate the destructive effect literacy problems have on people perceived to lack literacy skills. Questions are raised about implications for Canadian society as a whole and about the effectiveness of its English-as-a-Second-Language programs. (LB)

Presents debates between young people in China's special economic zones and three educators who find that these areas create their own unique problems for China. Cautions that this group comes in contact with conflicting ideas, values, and beliefs. Warns private interests may create an unequal standard of living with the rest of China. (NL)

Reviews three special interest publications: (1) "Learning Readiness: Promising Strategies," a directory of model programs addressing social problems that impede learning; (2) "Standards for Quality School-Age Child Care," about quality standards for before- and after-school child care programs; and (3) "Hostile Hallways: The AAUW Survey on Sexual…

Argues that the judgment that the academy is racist is frequently misunderstood by white academicians because the socially learned investment in individualism eclipses awareness of racial positionality. Suggestions are given on how white academicians could address white racism. (SLD)

Responds to an article by Christine E. Sleeter (1993) and another by W.B. Allen (1993). Refutes criticisms that the author actually promotes racism in his call for increased white discourse on white racism and denies the individuality of races other than whites. However, personal individuality does not cancel the effects of inequality of power,…

Outlines a general theory of childhood victimology, with a typology that characterizes abuse as extraordinary, acute, or pandemic. Efforts to prevent childhood victimization must recognize its differential character and the importance of the child's stage of development in recognizing and dealing with victimization. (SLD)

To combat negative effects of the AIDS epidemic, violence, and adolescent sexual behavior, schools must broaden their curricula to include character and values education. Schools can actively help youngsters by providing an integrated curriculum that encourages decision making, problem solving, and conflict resolution; a teaching staff dedicated…