Describes study to identify alterable factors associated with academic achievement of economically poor Black and Hispanic middle- and high-school students. Compares 361 high- and low-achievers on social-psychological variables. Results suggest specific actions educators can take to encourage achievement. (MW)

This literature review examines recent research on computers and learning for kindergarten through post secondary levels. The dominant areas of inquiry are: (1) effects on learning; (2) development of cognitive skills; (3) academic motivation and self-esteem; (4) effects of environmental factors on learners; and (5) research methodology. (111…

Currently, the dominant approach in research on teaching in physical education (the objectivist, scientific approach) has failed to provide a solution to how its findings, which are embodied in theories, can bring about change in the curriculum. This approach is critiqued with reference to issues of strategy, power, and politicization. (IAH)

Examination of 48 Black third and fourth grade students revealed that students presented tasks in a varied format perform no better than those presented tasks in an unvaried format. Low achievers may learn better in varied format conditions. High-achieving Black students more easily adapt to the school learning environment than do low-achieving…

Evaluates the use of computerized tutorial support for elementary statistics instruction in five education and social work courses, both graduate and undergraduate. Pretests and posttests used to measure student attitudes toward statistics and toward computers are described, and preferred learning environments before and after the course are…

Urges a reframing of the social sciences curriculum in terms of the socioeconomic interests of the disadvantaged. Proposes a curriculum specifically designed to expose the ideological and political advantages enjoyed by the dominant culture. Includes specific activities to promote empowerment among the disadvantaged. (MJP)

Asserts that sexual harassment is a major problem in schools. Presents a secondary-level lesson designed to help teachers and students examine this issue and identify harassing behaviors. Includes six student handouts, instructional procedures, and suggested follow-up activities. (CFR)

Describes Forest Glen Elementary School, a successful K-5 magnet school with an international focus located in suburban Indianapolis. Explains how three components of the curriculum--the foreign-language program, wise use of technology, and child-centered climate--are helping prepare students for tomorrow's world. (TJQ)

Examines the results of a study of the role of the secondary school library media program in easing the adolescent immigrant's struggle with assimilation. Highlights include student-centered learning environments that value cultural diversity; a focus on personal beliefs; use of technology; and a literature program based on the archetypal hero.…

Examined home literacy environments of four children from low-income Caucasian, African American, or biracial families. Found that all the parents provided support for literacy but with different constructions; children's descriptions of how they were learning to read at home reflected their home literacy experiences; and all four environments…

Using comparative data from two Navajo community-school contexts, this article details the conditions within these and similar contexts that enable schools to authentically use and validate the local language. Six social engineering strategies are presented as a means to build dual-language programs. (seven references) (MDM)

Reviews the research presented in the preceding articles in this issue. Discusses (1) continuity versus discontinuity in child development; (2) the effect of child care and school settings on child development; and (3) child care and school as contexts in which children develop attachment relationships with adults. (BC)

Because the growth of health and social service professionals in schools has implications for schools, teachers, and teacher education, coordination and collaboration among these professions should be improved. Modifications which reflect the need for knowledge and understanding of human services that affect at-risk students are needed in teacher…

Three studies involving 79 teacher leaders, 4 school empowerment experts, and 387 secondary school teachers indicate that the 38-item School Participant Empowerment Scale (SPES) may tap 6 dimensions of empowerment within the school organization identified in the literature. The SPES effectively measures perceived empowerment in school settings.…

Describes a 12-unit teacher-developed secondary education program that seeks to reverse the common bias against gays through information, support groups, and school-community programs. Describes the program's success in a Cambridge (Massachusetts) school. Provides teaching tips for addressing sexuality and a list of resources. (JB)