Presents themes essential in developing a child-centered social ethic. Teacher educators can prepare prospective teachers to promote social justice with and for students. Adopting an ethical stance toward children means addressing oppressive social and political aspects of childhood; understanding and validating children's experiences,…

Describes the design of a prototypical computer-mediated communication (CMC) system at the Open University of the Netherlands called StudieNet which focuses on a single mathematics course. The concept of the integrated study environment used in StudieNet is explained, StudieNet functions are compared with the nonautomated course, and how the…

The notion of "Shido" (comprehensive social involvement of the teacher in guiding the student) explains how Japanese educational system incorporates, without conflict, apparently contradictory elements: egalitarian group focus in elementary school and student stratification by ability and socioeconomic status in high school. Focuses on…

Examines ways in which a parent can measure and help to create a school environment that projects a positive climate in which a child can learn and grow. Suggestions are offered for setting up a school climate committee and for operating such a committee. (GLR)

How the acquired immune deficiency virus (AIDS) has entered the consciousness of students and teachers is reviewed; and the implications of this experience for researchers, teacher educators, and curriculum makers are discussed. Classrooms must be created in which children feel safe to explore the issues that AIDS raises. (SLD)

The article identifies morale deflaters and inflaters existing in the public school environment, describing the processes used to improve student and staff morale. Several instruments are available to help pinpoint the causes of low morale. The article explains how to use such instruments to change student and staff perceptions. (SM)

Stories handed down about the author's two Salish great grandmothers illustrate two different styles of child-adult interaction (authoritarian versus egalitarian) and their effects on the learning process. These child-rearing/teaching styles are compared to monitorial and humanistic methods of classroom management. Implications for Native…

Describes seven components of a conscientious approach to increasing recruitment, retention, and graduation of minorities. Ingredients include a reasonable financial aid package, an attractive multicultural environment, effective academic retention programs, sensitization of faculty, maintenance of a communication line with high school guidance…

Describes a study to determine the correspondence between community values about education/school and the nature of the actual structures that exist in the Catholic schools in the suburban Midwest community that was surveyed. Compares community attitudes and school structures concerning educational goals, curriculum content, educational support,…

Examines the School Development Program of James Comer, first essayed in two predominantly Black New Haven (Connecticut) elementary schools. His theories of school improvement stress stability, autonomy, institutional loyalty, warmth of daily interaction, and other elements present in Black families and communities in prior decades. (DM)

This article presents research on making the college classroom conducive to learning for women. The presence of sexism in language, sexist classroom behaviors, and the absence of information about the achievements, roles, and experiences of women from curricular content may leave female students alienated from what they are learning. (Author/MLW)

Focuses on the theme of pupil discipline in a public elementary school in a low-income neighborhood in a major American city. Considers the place of deterrence and repression in a relatively benign environment, and finds discipline a key component in the school's life, facilitating achievement and activities through order. (AF)

In 1987, the College of Education at Virginia Tech restructured its principal preparation program. Internships are conducted by principal-mentors expected to be teachers, models, and supportive colleagues. The program allows mentors, central office staff, and professors to meet with graduate students in an environment where all are learners. Any…

Like medieval war games of dialectical argument, today's education model is based on idea of competition, a scholastic sorting process aimed at fixing every child's place in life. So long as access to higher education rests on standardized test scores and/or high school grades in conventional subjects, higher education institutions will subject…

Uses the metaphor of the experiential educator as midwife to illustrate the importance of creating a safe and nurturing educational environment. To accomplish this, teachers must manage logistics, guard the initial learning environment, serve as nurturer, establish relationships, acknowledge commonalities and differences, remain a learner, create…