The countries of Central America have made great educational strides in recent years. More children are now attending school and more finish primary school; however, there is still a long way to go. We still need to ensure that the children who go to school learn effectively and can use their education to develop useful life and work skills. This…

Argues that higher education's traditional "closed" communities contrast sharply with democratic progressive ones that are more inclusive, empowering, and diverse. Drawing on feminism and postmodernism, demonstrates why service-learning is well suited to connect relational, experiential, and constructive epistemologies with democratic progressive…

A review of the literature on parental involvement in the education of a child with a disability examines models of parental involvement, barriers to participation, and ideas for training. It concludes that parent-professional partnerships are intended to empower parents and enhance communication. Such partnerships cannot be established without…

Investors in People, a British Department of Employment initiative administered through local Training and Enterprise Councils, aims to improve the nation's economy by enhancing staff involvement and development. The initiative offers a strategy for improving workforce quality, empowering staff, improving morale, and enhancing teamwork. A major…

This book chronicles how a group of migrant workers in Cobden, Illinois, developed their own hybrid writing system that used the Spanish alphabet to capture English speech sounds. The event illustrates Freirean ideas about literacy and power and offers lessons for improving English instruction. (TD)

Examines different understandings of gender equity and women's empowerment in the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) and Mahila Samakhya (Women's Empowerment). Highlights achievements of the two organizations. Concludes that social justice and educational transformation cannot proceed in India without the powerful interconnections of the…

Presents a case study action research project that considers how purposeful emphasis on emotional awareness could potentially influence the feelings of self-confidence and empowerment, which are two demonstrations of emotional growth. Suggests that a significant factor in promoting the emotional development of students is the genuine interest of…

Reviews theories of teacher education and describes a model of practice teaching designed to facilitate teachers' reflection on their experiences. Suggests that this reflective practice allows teachers to understand collaborative teaching and represents an opportunity for professional liberation and development. Describes experiences from…

The inability of standardized, English-based tests to adequately assess the abilities and potential of deaf secondary school students has led to creating innovative, realistic assessment strategies. Goals are to empower students to develop decision-making skills, evaluate their critical thinking, and promote lifelong learning through use of…

Presents an overview of research results on noncognitive variables and explains how these variables have been or could be applied to the admission and retention of regularly admitted students of color. Compares noncognitive variables between "special admit" and "regular admit" students of color and discusses methods for…

Criticism regarding omission of the word "responsibilities" from the title of the Joint Statement on Rights and Freedoms of Students may have been harsh and premature. It is likely, however, that the theme of responsibilities will dictate the agenda of future dialog. (Author/KW)

Describes barriers that prevent Latinos from becoming advocates for special education. Stresses the integration of important systems and cultural variables in working with Latino clients and the need for professionals to adopt a paradigm shift. Outlines an integrated model that provides advocacy training to Latinos within a culturally sensitive…

This article describes a family-centered assessment and intervention approach that empowers and enables families of young children with disabilities in the selection and use of assistive technology. Included in the discussion are key characteristics of parent/professional partnerships and effective, helpful practices that facilitate the level of…

Explores the benefits of teacher leadership as well as the barriers to and opportunities for making teacher leadership work in practice. Concludes that teacher leadership could have beneficial effects on school improvement, but that the right conditions need to be in place. (Contains 79 references.) (MLF)

Focuses on three changes that occurred in the twentieth century: (1) more children receive access to the study of art at all educational levels; (2) art teachers receive more training, education, and resources; and (3) art teachers have less choice in designing curricula and endure more regulation. (CMK)