This article discusses the concept of choice and how our aspirations to promote choice for people with learning disabilities are undermined by conceptual confusion. It then examines environmental influences on choice, including staff behavior and other social influences on choice, and characteristics of service users and their influences on…

This article provides a rationale for the use of choice in home and school environments, advocates for the systematic and careful use of choice as an intervention strategy, provides examples for embedding choice, and discusses guidelines for use and factors that may limit the use of choice. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

Notes that for women and girls, anxiety about technology is compounded by traditional gender-power dynamics that often position technology as male, and by the development of technological literacy as a product to be mastered rather than nurtured. Questions the extent to which web-based literacies can be taught while also fostering technological…

Discusses the need to use computer-related vocabulary, or tech talk, with minority students to ensure their future in a technogically-driven society. Describes how to motivate students with tech talk by creating a culturally responsive learning environment; acquiring the language of technology; helping students feel comfortable with technology;…

Three aspects of the formation and initial development of a professional development school (PDS) are discussed: developing interpersonal and working relationships; developing a common vocabulary and knowledge base; and engaging in genuine problem solving. The PDS is a partnership between Michigan State University and Elliott Elementary School.…

Presents an interactive instructional model of reading instruction, in which teachers have a central role in determining the goals, materials, and methods of instruction. Suggests that this approach would improve students' reading performance. (MM)

Empowered school staff find opportunities to work together. Outlines the superintendent's role and the conditions that must be met in order for empowerment and school improvement to succeed. (MLF)

An edited version of Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland's keynote address to the International Conference on Population and Development in September 1994. This address focuses on the role played by women in population growth and emphasizes the urgency of economic and political rights and education for women. (LZ)

Discusses a mentoring model as a resource for lesbian and gay adolescents in foster care. The authors apply known successful program elements to the design of a model mentoring program for lesbian and gay adolescents. The program is meant to alleviate problems of isolation, stigmatization, and lack of positive lesbian and gay role models. (GR)

Seventy clients participated in eight focus groups intended to identify clients' perceptions of vocational rehabilitation program strengths and weaknesses. The advantages of using a social science model applied to focus groups and the ways client empowerment can be a central theme in such efforts are explored. (SLD)

Thirty-one machinists (blind, sighted, and visually impaired) answered questions about trust, resource sharing, and empowerment in work relationships. Employees with low vision were the least trusting and trusted, received the fewest shared resources, and reported proportionately more disempowering relationships. More educated employees saw more…

Efforts to professionalize teaching may increase teachers' commitment, but reforms may not be entirely successful without attention paid to their pedagogical content knowledge. One hypothetical district adopted a career enhancement plan offering curriculum-specialist and teacher-leader opportunities and encouraged teacher collaboration. The…

Through drama, children can learn more about themselves and others and can develop a greater understanding of society. Explores the process of experiential drama in which adults and children work together and in which a transfer of power from adults to children is engendered. (MDM)

Teacher empowerment should begin by preparing teachers to make wise decisions about educational experiences and control decisions about educational quality. If teacher educators feel their efforts are shaped by elements beyond their control in situations prizing faculty governance and autonomy, a compliance-oriented socialization process begins…

This article reviews pertinent factors, such as the need to encourage a positive home environment, transform peer group influences, establish goals early in life, foster racial pride and awareness, use African-American culture to foster achievement, encourage a sense of self-control, initiate and expand mentor programs, and cultivate academic…