Society, the university, faculty, and student are four key players in the doctoral dissertation process, which is analyzed by examining institutional practices, dissertation obstacles, and management systems. A five-step dissertation system helps students negotiate the complex process: (1) preparation for research; (2) a research course sequence;…

Describes a model for preparing faculty in schools of education to incorporate character education in their teacher preparation programs. Lists eight traits that character education should engender. These are compassion, forgiveness, integrity, respect, responsibility, initiative, cooperation, and perseverance. Includes a list of references and…

Students attending a Minnesota school in a middle-class neighborhood are finding that cooperation, conflict resolution, and civic values are creating a safe haven from the stresses of family and neighborhood life. Students have two innovative programs (Continuous Progress and Discovery) to choose from. Highlands Elementary nurtures its students…

Discusses the legal issues involved in setting content or performance standards. Recommends establishing clearly documented procedures that adhere to professional recommendations and are administrated fairly. Addresses such issues as parental rights, assessment security, nondisclosure agreements, and specific alternative assessment techniques for…

Describes Developing Capable People, an elementary physical education discipline plan that facilitates positive change in how physical educators manage their gyms and students manage themselves. The premise is that decision-making skills, interpersonal skills, and acceptance of personal responsibility for one's actions are better learned when…

Presents an ecological model identifying four factors: the child, caregivers, facility environment; and exogenous factors contributing to child maltreatment in residential care. Facility factors include organizational culture and staffing patterns. Caregiver factors include gender, age, training, and status. Child factors include gender, age, and…

Uses examples of institutional child abuse within the Australian police force, social service departments, diplomatic service, schools, the judicial system, and the church to show that leadership may mitigate or amplify abuse. Contends that the precedence of adults' rights over children's rights contributes to child abuse. The recent creation of a…

British standards for inspection of residential services will not protect children from abuse because they do not address underlying problems. New proposals may correct some problems, but inspections probably cannot meet child protection objectives. Future developments should address enforcement of standards, collaboration between agencies…

Profiles an attempt at adult residential education known as the Woodbrookers' movement in the Netherlands from 1903-1941. Imported from England, the Woodbrookers' emphasized the precepts of Christian Socialism taught through weekend meetings and summer schools. Discusses the relationship between this movement and the Scandinavian folk high…

Discusses the practice of first-person accounts in curriculum examinations of race and ethnicity. Refutes the essentialist notion that only members of a particular group can address issues concerning that group. Argues that nonmembers can contribute to a productive examination as long as they have some knowledge of their limitations. (MJP)

Presents a hypothetical dilemma illustrating the need for parent empowerment in early childhood education for use in applying the National Association for the Education of Young Children's Code of Ethics. Considers including parents in important decisions, honoring responsibilities to parents, and implementing the spirit of the code. Discusses…

Proposes a framework for religious educators to evaluate existing resources and plan curricular strategies addressing the spiritual needs of homosexuals and the destructive effects of homophobia. Discusses the interrelationships among personal wholeness, spirituality, and sexuality. Follows the curricular model, "fashioning a people,"…

Issues of institutional accountability for colleges and universities are examined in the American and European contexts, particularly as market forces gain importance in Europe. Varying forms of accountability (formal, through accreditation; financial; and academic) and two dimensions of accountability (external vs. internal, legal vs. financial)…

Briefly discusses the adjustment process that non-native teachers go through when teaching Canadian native students. Notes some of the cultural differences between the two groups including concepts of time, conflict resolution, and respect. Concludes that the ever-changing nature of native culture requires teachers to be flexible. (MJP)

Examines family encouragement and selected background variables influencing Mexican American female academic achievement at a large southwestern university. Results revealed that students with a positive view of their academic ability combined with a strong sense of personal responsibility for their academic future were likely to be academically…