Studies show a positive correlation between parental involvement and academic achievement, but the involvement of immigrant or poor parents is lower than that of native-born, middle-class parents. Reasons may include socioeconomic status, level of instruction, language fluency, status of immigrant community, years of residency, relations between…

This article introduces a forum that explores issues surrounding literacy in multicultural school-age populations. It discusses sociocultural factors that overshadow traditional literacy-learning objectives, the relationship between low socioeconomic status and low literacy, environmental influences that affect literacy, and culturally biased…

Reports a study in which Israeli researchers examined school cultural differences between effective and average secondary schools. The 20 participating schools taught mainly disadvantaged students. Teachers completed the Perceived School Culture Inventory. Results indicated that schools varied in their cultural dimensions, and the variation…

Whether goals held by students from diverse cultural backgrounds differ and the relationship of these goals to school motivation and achievement were studied with 2,156 Australian (Anglo, immigrant, and Aboriginal), 529 Navajo, and 198 Canadian Montagnais Betsiamite Indian secondary school students. Cross cultural and educational implications are…

Most identity development models are unidimensional and mutually independent. They rarely acknowledge multiple cultural identifications or their relationship to diversity-awareness training. This article discusses this relationship in a four-stage conceptual model for diversity identity development and its implications for the design, structuring,…

Describes a community asset assessment used as a mechanism for reaching and engaging an undervalued community. Latino adolescents were placed in leadership roles as assessment interviewers in a Puerto Rican community. Discusses challenges and implications for involvement of Latino youths in school and human-services agency asset research. (LSR)

A historic session on Native science at the 2003 conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science included discussions about the Indigenous approach to science, the Tribal Environmental and Natural Resources Management program at Northwest Indian College, the need to connect the spiritual element in Indigenous knowledge with…

Evidence is presented of culturally related differences in the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ratings of teachers and students teachers from China (n=66), Hong Kong (n=109), and the United Kingdom (n=30). Teachers from China rated the videotaped behavior of a target child higher on a number of items than the other teachers. (Contains…

Examines cultural factors affecting black and Hispanic deaf students' achievement, discussing socioeconomic status and single parent families, parent educational levels, non-English speaking environments, inadvertent effects on the deaf child, family view of disability, and parent-school interactions. Notes strategies for developing parents as…

A study investigated Indigenous community perceptions of White school administrators in northern Canada via 44 individual and focus group interviews with local stakeholders at four schools. Community perceptions of effective school leadership were inconsistent, and communities and administrators were often at odds with regard to the role and…

Describes what the Tellin' Stories Project (TSP) Action Research Team discovered about meaningful family involvement during a 3-year study of teachers', students', and parents' stories of meaningful family roles. The TSP uses the power of story to engage parents, primarily from diverse low-income backgrounds, as purposeful partners in education.…

Describes a five-step sequence for the study of multicultural literature. Presents a detailed example of how the sequence can be used to study literature dealing with Native American cultural groups. Concludes with descriptions of how the sequence can be used and adapted with literature dealing with Black and Hispanic cultural groups. (MG)

Provides six themes identified by historians and master teachers that should be the goal of any history study. Suggests ways to develop each theme and offers helpful appropriate resource materials. Stresses building historical understanding and empathy for past times and peoples in young learners. (CH)

Southeast Asian refugee youth in the United States must contend with significant cultural differences and long-term adjustment stress. While struggling to develop an adult identity, these adolescents must also work through the trauma of being refugees, adapting to a new culture without relinquishing the heritage fundamental to their development.…

Discusses the environment for Blacks on predominantly White campuses and describes Unity through Diversity Week, a program designed to promote racial and cultural diversity and to address racism. (Author/TE)