Explains the need for family literacy programs in Illinois and describes efforts to improve adult and child literacy. Topics discussed include poverty; reading, writing, and computing instruction; interaction between parents and children; families and books; partnerships between state agencies, private organizations, and public libraries; and…

Examined one third-grade teacher's portfolio of her literacy instruction for a school year along with her reflections on how creating the portfolio influenced her teaching and thinking. Uses other teachers' self-report data to extend this teacher's reflections on the pedagogical and nonpedagogical effects of the teacher portfolio. (BB)

Investigated the efficacy of a computer program approach to help 260 at-risk fourth graders model, practice, and internalize narrative writing skills. Found that the at-risk students responded positively to the use of technology incorporated with instructional strategies for developing higher order thinking and literacy skills. The teachers also…

Examines a number of ways in which the process of natural acquisition of American Sign Language (ASL) from competent adult and child users of the language might directly enhance the learning of English. The natural acquisition of ASL, contact signing, and fingerspelling may enhance English language literacy. (45 references) (MDM)

A historical background and current assessment of computer uses in education is presented with specific emphasis on student achievement in computer literacy and international applicability of objectives from stage two of the Computers in Education Study (COMPED). The COMPED Study involves a cross-cultural examination of how information…

Many preservice computer courses do not provide students with certain important skills. Such skills are best developed through instructional programs in teacher education that mirror the models that teachers will be using in their own classrooms. The information technology component within teacher education is an integral part of the program. (SM)

Reviews "DEC Recommended Practices," a publication of the Division for Exceptional Children; "Empowering At-Risk Families during the Early Childhood Years" (Swick and Groves); "Developing Home-School Partnerships" (Swap); "Parent-Teacher Conferencing in Early Childhood Education" (Lawler); and the video…

An experiential education project at Edinboro University (Pennsylvania) trains undergraduate students to be literacy tutors and requires students to complete 60 volunteer hours tutoring at a community service agency in exchange for academic credit. Examines mutual benefits of volunteer service including breakdown of social stereotypes and…

This case study examined how growing up with limited exposure to minority cultures influenced one beginning secondary teacher's first teaching year in multicultural schools. Journal and interview data indicated that his underpreparation for oppositional ethnic behaviors created teacher behavior that diminished black students' school learning and…

Summarizes four projects that attempt to use cultural resources for instruction, each in a unique way. Suggests that these projects serve as catalysts to challenge the status quo by creating conditions and activities for novel uses of literacy. Highlights the important mediating functions of literacy, especially in two languages, in helping…

This article focuses on competencies needed for children's transitions from preschool special education programs to the primary grades, with a focus on literacy-rich classroom environments. The competencies concern: readiness to maximize academic achievement, social skills, and appropriate responsiveness to various instructional styles and new…

Presents four articles addressing various aspects of violence in the context of children's everyday life: video game violence, gun play, violent children's television programming, and war play. Proposes possible developmentally appropriate solutions. Urges teachers, parents, and the community in general to actively work to provide a safer, saner…

Examines the viability of black male involvement in preparing for the technological innovations of the next century's work force. Results from 2 urban elementary schools and 16 black males in these schools reveal that black males are being placed at risk for failure in the Information Age. Lack of support systems and resources are primary…

Considers the possible uses of newspapers in the classrooms of the future based on experiences from the Newspapers in Education (NIE) project in Norway. Topics discussed include world population growth, living conditions, the use of computers in future classrooms, computer versions of newspapers, and mass media users. (LRW)

Reviews the role of public libraries in adult literacy and lifelong learning in the 25 years since the signing of the Adult Education Act. Discusses collaborative projects with other government agencies, and the public library's unique role of welcoming patrons whatever their educational needs might be. (43 references/notes) (EA)