Argues that dominant theories of first- and second-language acquisition treat language as though it were a culturally homogeneous phenomenon. Because language learners are taught a core variety of the target language, they are often unaware of the cultural differences within the language, tending to see the core language as representative of a…

The process by which the new Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and achievement tests were developed is outlined, highlighting the evolution of new formats and emphases. It is proposed that the tests, which incorporate extensive changes, encourage genuine learning and respond to increasing cultural diversity in the population. (MSE)

Discussion of the effects of cultural diversity on academic libraries and library and information science education examines the impact of demographics on affirmative action recruitment in business and higher education; effects of demographic trends on library and information science professions; faculty attitudes; and library and information…

Explores the specific family practice of determining which family members share a bed or sleeping space. Discusses ways of extracting the moral principles implicit in the practice of arranging where family members sleep at night. Examines similarities and differences in the preferred moral goods of two culture regions--rural Hindu India and urban…

Persistent low levels of school literacy among Canadian Natives is discussed in terms of language, script, culture, and pedagogy. Low literacy level is only a problem when defined by the narrow Western conception of literacy. When writing is taken as a graphic means of preserving and communicating information, then native cultures have always been…

The experiences of an African-American teacher educator teaching a human growth and development course to education majors show the resistance students can exhibit to learning about cultural diversity as well as the opportunities for learning that can be fostered. (SLD)

Properly serving the needs of ethnic minority and economically disadvantaged gifted youth requires early identification, enrichment programs, parental involvement, and specialized teacher training. Primary teachers must be able to identify children exhibiting gifted behaviors not showing up in testing. Profiles San Diego and New Jersey programs…

Language standards of 26 disability organizations in 4 English-speaking countries (United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and United States) were surveyed for similarities and differences. Usage of terminology such as "mental handicap,""learning disability,""mental retardation,""developmental disability," and…

Describes the development of a scale to provide a valid, reliable measure of multicultural sensitivity of teachers toward their students. Elementary school nurses completed a test survey, and secondary school health educators completed the final version. Results indicated the Multicultural Sensitivity Scale was a valid, reliable measure of…

Focuses on the simplistic binary oppositions and their ensuing rhetorical stances in student writing. Discusses the example of the supposed antagonism between "blacks and browns" in the Los Angeles inner city. Critiques the "white ground" of Western binary oppositions and shows how such a critique relates to the writing…

Specific suggestions are offered to promote the participation of Asian families of young, special-needs children in the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. Suggestions address: enhancing one's own cultural awareness, overcoming language differences, holding effective family conferences, and developing family outcomes in the IFSP.…

Responses of 26 teacher educators provided information about the current condition of multicultural education in the preparation of elementary school teachers in 7 programs in Massachusetts. The predominant approach to infuse curricula with multicultural education was to insert topics or units into existing foundations. Recommendations are made…

Suggests energy-related activities that represent different instructional approaches and can be adapted for different age levels. Includes library research, debates, role playing, games, and mock trials. Offers questions to be used in connection with the activities. Examines the future of energy use and international inequality of use. (DK)

Comparison of the attitudes of German high school students (n=119) with earlier studies of Irish and Australian students found German students more confident at meeting a person with mental disabilities, more interested in policy changes to ensure better services, less positive about general social integration, and very negative about…

This article highlights problems inherent in traditional screening measures for giftedness and suggests the student portfolio as a promising alternative for the identification of gifted children, especially those from special populations. Examples of items to be included in portfolios include writing samples, journals, artwork, projects, class…