Following a presentation of Rita and Kenneth Dunn's learning styles model at a NAESP convention, staff at a South Dakota elementary school began teaching students according to their own perceptual strengths. This article profiles teachers' efforts and presents an observation checklist for preparing individualized learning style inventories and…

Staff ownership can be achieved only in a climate where synergism is understood and promoted. The principal must truly believe that the cooperative action of staff members working together is greater than the sum of their efforts taken independently and in isolation. Intimidating principal-teacher relationships must be eliminated. (eight…

A 27-year study found that African-American students who participated in the High/Scope Perry preschool program completed more schooling, committed fewer crimes, had higher rates of employment, and earned a higher income than nonparticipants. The program was found to be cost effective. Results suggest that high-quality programs with strong parent…

The president of the American Association on Mental Retardation looks at recent trends in the field in the context of moral values. The paper notes positive trends toward more inclusionary programs and policies and emphasis on consumer empowerment and urges professionals to support and assist clients as they exercise their right to…

Four canoeists who had completed four or more solo canoe expeditions of two weeks or longer were interviewed to understand their solitary wilderness experiences. Discussions of their motivations and experiences illustrate the opportunities that wilderness solitude provides for connection with nature, reflection on one's life, self-exploration, and…

A school business official with 14 years of experience in three Michigan districts agreed to join East Grand Rapids School District to help pass a $32 million bond issue for school renovations. To establish credibility in his new district, this official worked hard to communicate effectively, manage competently, and develop a clear vision.…

American Indians and other Native peoples are using maps to chart their resources, fight for their land, and remember their history. Describes the efforts of the Zuni Pueblo in the Southwest; the Gitxsan Nation (Canada); the Kuna, Embera, and Wounaan tribes (Panama); and the Mayas (Belize). A sidebar lists Geographic Information Systems (GIS)…

Explores four women elementary principals' experiences with power in their working lives. Themes emerging through in-depth interviews included empowerment and positive, negative, and traditional power. These are discussed through three lenses: dominance, facilitation ("power through"), and "power with." All interviewees…

Describes a quasi-experimental study comparing students' perceptions of empowerment in two sections of a graduate social-work course. One section was taught using a traditional format of lectures, exams, and papers. The other was taught with techniques intended to empower students: learning contracts, formative evaluations, and narrative…

Examines the problem of bullying in and around schools, providing information to help those involved in school life recognize the characteristics of a bully and understand the symptoms of children who are victims of bullying. Provides a basis from which caregivers can understand and implement workable intervention strategies. (SM)

Describes the North Suburban Library System (Chicago) experience of becoming a Learning Organization which involves issues relating to management, decision making, knowledge transfer, and empowerment at all staff levels. Discusses teamwork, collaborative efforts, communication, information sharing, annual planning, and staff development and…

Suggests some things that can be done to make charter schools more accountable and to promote innovation and diversity. Remedies are offered for the areas of (1) accountability; (2) funding; (3) choice and student characteristics; and (4) innovation and empowerment. (SLD)

Adults cannot adequately prevent their children from observing media messages. Students are actually safer if they are educated about analyzing and assessing unsavory messages for themselves. Appropriate media-literacy pedagogy involves five essential elements: background, tools, deconstruction of media techniques, product evaluation, and original…

Presents practical suggestions for encouraging empowerment in young children. Describes how a shift in the instructional focus from teaching to empowering can be incorporated throughout the school day. Emphasizes that children's qualities, such as kindness, helpfulness, and flexibility, must be encouraged and noted equally as often as tangible…

A UK study shadowed and interviewed 32 secondary-school department heads to identify their leadership/management styles; sense of empowerment; and initiatives for and obstacles to improving teaching, learning, and achievement in classrooms. Shared power among senior and middle managers in UK schools is rare; training must change radically.…