A national survey examined state policies for identification of gifted students who are culturally different, economically disadvantaged, disabled, or in some way at risk. Progress was found in the areas of greater public awareness, screening procedures, formal identification processes, and program initiatives. A sidebar describes the Jacob K.…

Examines demographic information on all-white school districts in New York. Surveys perceptions of superintendents in nonminority school districts about the meaning of "minority" and "disadvantaged" and about the impact of a modified social studies curriculum that calls for the inclusion of minority contributions to American…

Reviews the history of the national standards movement. Discusses the standards developed by the Task Force on Standards of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS). Describes the content and format of the NCSS standards, how they could be used, and what resources are necessary for effective implementation. (CFR)

Asserts that social studies is a natural medium for teaching cross-cultural understanding and making education more meaningful for students from different ethnic, social, or cultural backgrounds. Presents a bibliographical essay including recommended teacher and student resources on issues related to multiculturalism and national unity. (CFR)

Reports on a visit to Nepal to observe art education in rural and urban schools. Discusses art activities among rural families and in schools. Contends that art education is discouraged in urban or more modern school settings because of the influence of Western lifestyles. (CFR)

A study compared perceptions of pharmacy students in three different cultures (Malaysia, Thailand, United States) concerning pharmacist counseling about contraceptive use for family planning and AIDS prevention. Results indicate students in each culture, by gender, had different comfort levels with such counseling, implying need for different…

Survey responses of 60 rural New Mexico special education directors address availability of programs that simultaneously meet cultural, communication, and disability needs of diverse student populations; training of personnel in these programs; and whether educational diagnosticians and speech language pathologists accommodate language and…

Maintains that the United Nations Charter, which calls for "respect for human rights...without distinction to race, sex or religion" is commonly violated, particularly with respect to girls. Presents a lesson portraying dilemmas faced by four girls in different parts of the world as they confront problems. (CFR)

The article describes one school's attempts to develop a multimedia module designed to help preservice teachers in education courses become more sensitive to their students' ethnic and cultural differences, focusing on differences in the attitudes of members of various ethnic groups toward elementary students' misbehavior. (SM)

This study explored how gaps in bilingual students' performance related to their two languages and to particular school tasks. Researchers interviewed teachers of mixed groups of students, and students completed linguistic competence assessments. High scores in one language did not necessarily carry over into the other, and students were…

Social and institutional factors in the Solomon Islands, shaped by colonialism and modernization, affect classroom practice, constraining teachers' use of cultural knowledge. The article challenges notions of cultural congruence as solutions to classroom problems, distinguishing between appropriation of childrens' culture for hegemonic interests…

The relevance to the United States of the multicultural experience in Lebanon is discussed. The Lebanese experience highlights the difficulties segregationist multiculturalism can present to developing a common national culture. It is important to recognize the fluid nature of culture and the possibility of its transformation when implementing…

Discussion of changing demographics and implications for academic libraries focuses on the expected increases in the numbers of Blacks and international students. Educational trends are discussed; and program ideas for academic libraries preparing for a multicultural environment are suggested, including sensitivity training for staff, minority…

Examined cultural differences in Costa Rican and U.S. fourth and sixth graders' perceptions of their relationships with social network members. Costa Rican children rated their relationships with most persons more positively than did U.S. children. Costa Rican family members and teachers played a relatively more important role than did best…

Compares 3 Japanese and 2 U.S. psychology departments, using course catalog data and questionnaire responses from 30 professors and 335 undergraduates. Reports U.S. students studied more and learned specific, career-oriented content, whereas Japanese students emphasized extracurricular activities related to future careers. Links findings to…