While expecting to see microcomputers on the desks of business people, scientists, lawyers, and other professionals, we have failed to allow teachers similar access to these machines. Instead of trying to restructure teaching to fit future technologies, schools should empower teachers and place them at the forefront of future innovation. (MLH)

The article examines a specific challenge to special education during the 1990's as it stresses the critical importance of teacher empowerment in improved teacher morale and improved instruction for handicapped children. (DB)

Administrators can help teachers avoid burnout by recognizing teaching efforts, advising without prescribing solutions, and treating all faculty in a collegial manner. Career ladders and testing have negatively affected teacher morale, whereas teacher empowerment through participative decision-making produces better results. (MLH)

Defines the term "empowerment" as it applies to teachers and to children. Suggests the foundation needed for empowering includes respect, validation, and success. Also discusses the characteristics of ownership, choice, decision making, intrinsic motivation, responsibility, independence, risk taking, collaboration, and self-evaluation as…

Discusses and contrasts varying definitions of empowerment from social work and feminist literature. Describes what is problematic in the definitions of empowerment practice with older women and suggests reasons for broadening the definition and concept of empowerment so that social welfare professionals can meet the needs of this growing…

The phenomenon of empowerment in evaluation is examined by hypothesizing possible benefits and harms that may accrue from the program development process and the impact both may have on the evaluation. The evaluation of the Health Care Intervention Service of New York State offers an example. (SLD)

Presents the term empowerment in historical context, reviews empowerment's disciplinary and theoretical sources, establishes a framework for studies that discuss empowerment in the context of programs for minority groups, and cautions against loose, uncritical use of empowerment in social action and pedagogy (which can create further…

Discusses the role of tribal colleges in tribal development. Highlights the struggle for tribal self-determination and types of leadership that promote self-determination. Offers examples of institutional missions that promote tribal culture and curricula supporting that mission. Suggests strategies to sustain tribal identity and empower students…

Argues that librarians must strive to unlock people's minds from an early age with the power of the printed word, and urges them to be active advocates for children, to speak out for children's rights to read, to become educated, and to succeed. It is suggested that librarians mobilize through involvement in professional associations. (SD)

By eliminating categorical labels traditionally assigned to students, staff, materials, rooms, instructional procedures, and behavior management practices and promoting teacher and student participation, the Winooski (Vermont) School District has moved away from a dual education system. Collaboration and teaming practices are the cornerstone of…

To empower teachers, school administrators must be effective communicators adept at matching style to purpose, recognizing the content and relational aspects of verbal messages, and realizing the importance of perceptions, positive reinforcement, active listening, flexible speaking styles, and nonverbal messages. Creating a positive communication…

Contends that empowerment and student autonomy strongly correlate with self-confidence; that this increases with incremental successes; and that any success is the outcome of acquiring and applying appropriate skills. Argues that geography students will be better life-long learners if they are taught enabling skills early in their programs. (DSK)

Examines one high school's implementation of a conflict resolution program, focusing on how the teacher's use of this process affected both teacher and students. Full development of a caring community, including mutual trust and respect, is needed to allow students to become fully self-responsible and empowered. The teacher's philosophy,…

The widely implemented "Success For All" program is designed to restructure elementary schools serving children at risk of failure. Primary goals are preventing remediation and empowering students. Principals must manage program resistance, create a supportive culture, demonstrate commitment to program structures, select appropriate…

Research suggests there is little correlation between spending more on public education and getting better results. The success of Catholic and charter schools, which receive far less money, underscores that more money is not the key to better educational outcomes. Giving parents power to send their children to schools that deliver what works is…