Analysis of the survey responses of 26 residential schools for the deaf found such positive literacy practices as counselors reading to children individually, supervising homework, and encouraging children to write letters and read independently. However, in many residences, materials were not regularly rotated and group storybook reading was not…

An extension of an earlier study of 842 college students' conceptions of learning draws on in-depth analysis of the experiences of 12 individuals. It was found that individual comments about learning are only understood when viewed within the larger context, highest-achieving students were those who were most reflective in learning, some students…

Describes the author's organization and opening of the first Montessori elementary program in South Africa. Describes the first school and the development of local training programs for teachers. Details the current standing of Montessori education in South Africa, its expansion to five schools, and goals of further training, support, and…

Discusses three types of alternative high schools and factors associated with success in meeting the needs of at-risk or marginalized youth in these schools. Describes Contact Alternative High School (Toronto)--part of Canada's Exemplary Schools Project--and the ways in which it has incorporated such success factors in its educational philosophy,…

Discusses the need for efficient ways to handle school conflict issues so they do not disrupt the learning environment or lead to a decrease in teacher job satisfaction. Presents findings of a study examining elementary school teachers' attitudes toward conflict resolution, their implementation of conflict resolution programs, their job…

This article addresses ways that schools and communities can be a protective influence by helping students to overcome the difficulties of destructive home and inner-city environments. Topics discussed include the school as a protective influence, neighborhood organizations that buffer and protect children and teenagers, the protective value of at…

Describes how the common guiding principles of environment, representation, and collaboration in the disciplines of environmental education, early childhood education, and landscape architecture provided the foundation for a school-based garden project. Shows how the gardening activities and integration of the three philosophies helped to enhance…

Describes a blended introductory instructional design course at Brigham Young University (Utah) that was evaluated, revised, and re-evaluated. The case is an example of how a faculty member teaching a blended course must constantly determine the balance between face-to-face and online components. (Author/MES)

Summarizes research on the contribution of young children's emotional competence to their school readiness. Describes ways early childhood teachers can support young children's emotional competence by creating a secure emotional environment, helping children understand emotions, modeling genuine appropriate emotions, supporting children's emotion…

Describes the growth, development, and learning that a middle school administrative dean experienced with a Latina student who felt arbitrary rules and intercultural misunderstandings were stifling her growth. Asserts that all educators must make a personal commitment to finding their voice and promoting and understanding family, culture,…

Investigated elements of campus culture that hindered or supported Chicano student persistence in a predominantly white college. Student interviews and observations highlighted three hindrances (the social, physical, and epistemological world). Within each of these worlds, dominant white cultural representations communicated the message that a…

Examines the role of playgrounds that use discarded items or "junk" as an integral part of kindergarten classes in an Israeli kibbutz. Suggests that play in the junkyard, by including the whole person--muscles and senses, emotion and intellect, individual growth and social interaction--can offer the experiential foundations on which…

This literature review addresses four variables related to school climate: teacher efficacy, collegiality (as promoted by the principal, shared decision making, and staff development), student achievement, and parent involvement. Schools attempting reform should consider how each of these variables can contribute to a positive school climate and…

Examines the discursive structures and linguistic resources of the interactional environments influencing the development of individual communicative competence, with specific reference to providing speaking opportunities to students studying Spanish as a second language. Findings reveal that the ways in which topics are developed differ from how…

Notes the trend of declining enrollments in undergraduate economic programs in the United States and discusses its impact. Although similar enrollment drops have occurred twice since World War II, this one arrives at a time of academic budget-cutting and a "soft" market for Ph.Ds. Includes statistics and tabular data. (MJP)