Maintains that discriminations against children have increased recently, despite Convention on the Rights of the Child. Examines present condition of childhood in different countries of the ex-Communist bloc and Western world, particularly the levels of well-being and poverty. Attempts to understand the events that have marked reforms of the last…

The November 1996 national election pits different education philosophies against each other; republicans want more local control, fewer rules, and greater school choice, while democrats talk of more federal funding while balancing the budget. The future of the Higher Education Act, African American influence in Congress, education committee…

Three trends in Central American higher education are examined in historical context: (1) inertia from lack of mobility, bureaucracy, and corporate influence; (2) elitism as a response to budgetary constraints; and (3) attempts to increase responsiveness to educational needs and demands. Issues examined include earlier attempts at change, slow…

Provides a concise historical overview of theological thinking concerning fundamentalism, absolutism, and relativism. Considers corresponding responses to issues regarding multiculturalism. Concludes that a diversity of viewpoints is necessary for society to learn from its mistakes and progress in a positive fashion. (MJP)

Identifies authenticity as the idea that there exists an innate and knowable self. Discusses this concept and how it relates to social, philosophical, and religious thought. Compares the Western concept of self, autonomous and individualistic, with the more interdependent and enigmatic Eastern ideal. (MJP)

Provides an overview of the main theories, developments, and literature of critically-oriented sociology. Pays particular attention to the politics of meaning including critical discourse analysis, identity politics, racial formation, and political economy and the labor process. Concludes with a discussion of the tensions between postmodern and…

Proposes a model of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) that includes culturally appropriate practice (DCAP). Suggests that teacher preparation must readdress cross-cultural child development and learning style; reintroduce self-awareness and ways of understanding and valuing the study of culture, ethnicity, and teaching; and restructure…

Recommends incorporating a thorough analysis of popular music into the teaching of music appreciation. Considers moving beyond the traditional approach (chronological progression beginning with the medieval period) to include innovative comparisons of different styles, instruments, and historical periods. Includes suggested strategies, activities,…

Traces the slow, incremental journey of President John F. Kennedy from a cautious supporter of civil rights to an ardent advocate. Until his June 11, 1963 televised presidential address, Kennedy's commitment to civil rights was weakened by his desire to avoid political conflict with southern democrats. (MJP)

Examines important trade issues and explains why the debate on trade policy will continue as a major political topic. Discusses the efficacy of recent trade agreements and the use of trade sanctions to encourage political change in other countries. Reviews several models of trade theory. (MJP)

Review of theories, research, and models of the learning styles of American Indian/Alaska Native students reveals that they generally learn in ways characterized by social/affective emphasis, harmony, holistic perspectives, expressive creativity, and nonverbal communication. Native learning styles are strongly influenced by language, culture, and…

Reviews major issues in the financing of higher education in the 1990s, including overall resource level, revenue patterns (state and local financial commitment, federal funding, student charges, endowment income and private giving), and the changing role of student aid. Also examines issues as they affect different sectors or institution types.…

Asks the question: To what can teachers realistically expect students to be committed in the field of citizenship education when governments are consistently cutting back on their own involvement in public life? Concludes that principles of community and social justice remain valid and relevant to young people. (MJP)

A support group formed by three deans of social work schools and sustained over a seven-year period of change for each institution helped each dean address issues in organizational change. Agenda topics included tenure and promotion, selecting senior administrators, dealing with faculty conflict, managing budgets, responding to student concerns,…

Examines the results of 258 undergraduates rating of each others' self-acceptance and acceptance of others. The students had previously participated in 32 small, interpersonal learning groups. They rated each other on subscale items including dominant/submissive, expressive/guarded, and active/passive. Discusses the general trends and differences…