Uses a case study of the educational history of a gifted young man with severe visual impairments to show how principles of dialogic education can empower both students and teachers. Collaboration between Richard and his teachers and between regular and special educators led to his high school graduation as class valedictorian. (DB)

Examines the relationship between education and economic, political, and social status for empowering women in Asia. Using macro statistics from each country, no positive linear relationship is revealed. Further examined are factors that surface in each area, including gender relations within the family, that constrain the role of education as an…

Development of competence for women in outdoor programs is a complex process shaped by gender-role socialization, learning environments, and individual differences. Sense of competence is a fundamental component of self-esteem and may not be congruent with actual competence. Personal narrative of a solo experience illustrates its impact on sense…

Describes discussions and changes currently taking place within the National Education Association concerning its relationship with the American Federation of Teachers and school improvement. Addresses the need to revitalize America's public schools from within by pursuing an aggressive agenda of excellence and reform and empowering teachers as…

Presents ideas for teachers who want to get parents involved: start reaching out to parents before school starts; make written contact with parents and students before school begins; follow up with a phone call inviting their participation; communicate expectations; show commitment all year; and walk in a parent's shoes. (SM)

Describes student-developed World Wide Web sites from three high schools that have been chosen as exemplary models. Evaluation criteria are explained: vision; originality; integrity; community and effectiveness in facilitating new communication; empowerment; and structure and navigability. (LRW)

The longitudinal High Scope/Perry Preschool Study of 123 African Americans in poverty and at high risk of school failure interviewed 95% of participants at age 27. Profiles indicate that participants had fewer criminal arrests, higher earnings and property wealth, and greater commitment to marriage than nonparticipants, suggesting significant…

Findings from two studies investigating sources of variations in perceived control appraisals of parents involved in a family-centered early intervention/family support program are described. Results indicated that parent, family, and child characteristics were not related to differences in control appraisals. Practitioner help-giving styles and…

Discusses the leadership skills necessary in libraries to address two current society trends: (1) a desire for empowerment by both staff and users; and (2) the demand for adding value to people's lives. Highlights include library service improvements; responsibility; the need for libraries to change; and compelling visions of the future. (LRW)

Effective professional development is a faculty-directed process that encourages modification of behaviors based on critical self-reflection and evaluation of one's assumptions and beliefs about targeted development areas (such as teaching, curriculum, or school environment). This article presents a comprehensive faculty-development model that…

Developed a multifaceted definition of the intrapersonal component of empowerment, based on a review and synthesis of selected expository and empirical literature. Consisting of 20 dimensions, each with a standard definition of the construct, the model may be useful in facilitating discussions, developing training programs, and constructing…

Examined the life histories of early adolescent participants in Artists in the Making, a program designed to motivate inner city youth through participation in visual arts classes. Student interviews indicated that, despite participant diversity, there were several common themes, including self-discovery, problem solving skills, opportunities for…

Examines the rise in school exclusions in England during the 1990s. focuses on topics, such as: defining school exclusion (a student experiencing school expulsion or suspension), the number of excluded students, who is excluded, and reasons for excluding students. Includes the views of excluded children and addresses a 1999 government initiative.…

Presents a project designed to break down barriers between immigrant and host-culture students using multiple forms of literacy. Focuses on Bosnian students who have recently immigrated to the United States via refugee camps and other nations. Demonstrates that encouraging results can occur when students and families are brought together in…

The LifeSkills Center for Leadership (Minneapolis, Minnesota) offers leadership seminars and workshops to help Native Americans of all ages become more positive, confident, and responsible. The youth program focuses on communication, decision making, responsibility, and team building. Experiential activities help youth identify self-defeating…