This qualitative case study describes a portfolio program in the teaching of English as a foreign language in two Finnish upper secondary schools. Approximately 100 students participated in the portfolio program, whose topic area was culture. First, the purpose of this action research was to try out and develop portfolios in foreign language…

This experimental study explores the relationship between students' perceptions of their leadership abilities and the characteristics of community colleges' academic and extracurricular programs. The research examines correlations between participation in school events and volunteer and community service, and the students' self-ratings on their…

This paper examines issues related to women in higher education on a worldwide basis. Following an introduction, individual sections address the following topics: guiding principles for fostering a gender-inclusive culture through education; follow-up to the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women; five challenges in higher education today,…

A teacher educator, engaged in ongoing practitioner inquiry to explore self as well as program, examines her evolution as a teacher of teachers through reflection, systematic inquiry, and collaboration. Relating autobiographically, she conjures up her professional stories and listens to her voice in an effort to define and refine her role, reflect…

Describes a person-centered planning approach for involving students with disabilities and their families in the transition planning process. Components of person-centered planning are discussed, including development of a personal profile, identification of future lifestyle preferences, action steps and responsible parties, and necessary changes…

Data from 24 restructuring elementary, middle, and high schools are used to examine teacher empowerment in schools with at least four years of experience with decentralized or school-based management. Findings suggest that empowerment is an important but not sufficient condition of change that does affect teaching quality and student performance.…

Despite the rosy image projected by child-centered reformers, zealots and profiteers are really driving the charter school movement. Charter schools cannot flourish without drastic wage reductions or huge spending increases, nor will they benefit America's poorest children. The market, which has already destroyed kids' neighborhoods and parents'…

Uses case studies of a Latin American woman and a South Asian woman to identify obstacles and facilitators that shaped their lives and paths to empowerment. Presents a model for understanding processes of empowerment and change, particularly change facilitating gender equity. Recognizes a dialectic process involving individual subjective…

A study investigated teachers' and parents' engagement in recommended practices for fostering self-determination skills of 58 secondary students with disabilities. Fewer than half of parents frequently engaged in recommended behaviors and more than half of the teachers engaged frequently in most practices. Student demographic variables did not…

A forum was held to identify the needs of parents of gifted children in Witwatersrand (South Africa). Results indicated parents were in need of information on: how to manage the child; emotional problems experienced by the child; attitude of teachers; dissatisfaction with school; problems with time; and a lack of skills, such as social skills. (CR)

Issues involved in teaching, as contrasted with organizing, women's studies are discussed, including innovative approaches and the use of individual work, group work, and self-directed learning. It is argued that since the objective is to empower students, the need to include black women and black feminists is central. Future directions for…

Presents findings from a study comparing the ways that three high and three low self-empowered (LSE) teachers' worked with colleagues and their principals. Finds that LSE teachers had little personal commitment to work with others. Discusses intrinsic and extrinsic factors of empowerment and its relation to teacher motivation. (50 citations) (AJL)

Asserts that with observed and predicted growth in social and political activism among students, higher education and community leaders are challenged to rethink the impact of student activism on students' development and on institutional and community change processes. (KW)

Interviews with high school seniors and teachers explored perceptions of technology's role in schooling. Most preferred to adapt technology to traditional, teacher-centered instruction. A minority valued technology as a facilitator of student-centered inquiry and differed in beliefs about schooling and in dispositional tolerance for uncertainty.…

Describes the Touchstones Discussion Project at New York's Rice High School, in which students lead and participate in discussions on writings related to controversial issues. Suggests that the project helps students master complex material and develop leadership skills as they take increasing responsibility for their education. (AJL)