Revisits issues related to self concept development in light of a more sophisticated understanding of cultural influences. Examines the construction of a view of self as independent or interdependent and its impact on socialization and development. Suggests ways for early childhood practitioners to increase their sensitivity to the values and…

The effectiveness of a multi-element approach to increase the self-determination of three adolescents with physical and multiple disabilities was examined. The intervention involved equipment and performance adaptations, brief in-school simulation training, and instruction and support for parents and home assistance providers. Dramatic increases…

Investigation of relations among children's perceptions of their parents, motivation, and school performance for 456 children in grades 3 through 6 suggests that perceived maternal support and involvement are associated with perceived competence, control understanding, and perceptions of autonomy, whereas paternal support is related to perceived…

Articulates a generalized vision of school reform focusing on student empowerment and learner-controlled instruction. Recommends treating students with respect and dignity as well as encouraging personal development and self-discipline. Envisions a school where individual development is more important than rote learning and arbitrary rules. (MJP)

Helen Keller was someone who worked throughout her long life to achieve social change; she was an integral part of many important social movements in the 20th century. Her life story could serve as a fascinating example for children, but most picture books about Keller are silent about her life's work. In this article, the author examines the…

Early childhood educators are justifiably concerned that demands for academic standards in preschool will result in developmentally inappropriate instruction that focuses on a narrow set of isolated skills. But Ms. Stipek believes that teaching preschoolers basic skills can give them a good foundation for their school careers, and she shows that…

Adolescents have a strong need to feel that they belong. This book relates the story of a nontraditional high school, at which the author was a part-time staff member during the 1987-88 academic year. Data were gathered from participant observation and from interviews with 23 teachers and staff members, 42 students, and 6 educational…

As students progress through the educational system they make frequent transitions, such as from grade to grade or middle to high school. The purpose of this study is to explore how institutional discontinuities between schools affect student achievement in mathematics and science and for which types of students. This paper seeks to identify…

Contains five articles, all in French, reporting research on French second language instruction. "Francophonie et francais langue seconde a l'oral: quel(s) culture(s), quelles methodes?" (Francophony and Spoken French as a Second Language: What Cultures(s), What Method(s) (D. Issa-Sayegh) discusses the content and structure of a…

Resource-based learning (RBL) is one of the most useful, successful, and acceptable approaches to curriculum delivery, easily adapted to different styles of teaching and learning. It brings together all of the resource elements--tutor, learning resources, and student--into a learning partnership. Two essential aspects of RBL are its…

This report presents findings of a Minnesota study group which reviewed the costs and structures under which developmental disabilities services are provided. The group conducted a series of town meetings throughout the state and concluded with a toll-free call-in day. Six themes emerged from the meetings: (1) "We have a lot to be proud of…

This Legislative Appropriation Request (LAR) requests a total of $46,325,825 for the Texas Commission for the Blind for Fiscal Year 2000 and $46,934,426 for Fiscal Year 2001. Funds are designed to meet three major goals: (1) assist Texans who are blind or visually impaired in achieving independent living goals by providing a program of developing…

This document is intended for people in education and training, health services, social services, and volunteer organizations who are committed to empowering people with disabilities and learning difficulties. It sets self-advocacy within the context of achieving adult status in the United Kingdom, offers a theoretical framework for professionals…

A review of research literature pertaining to locus of control in older adults and its application to social and educational settings indicates that reliable generalizations about the self-concept of older adults require a careful consideration of both personal and situational variables. Four separate processes are useful in understanding the…

This article notes that one constraint to learning business English in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Ukraine, is the lack of adequate and culturally-relevant textbooks and other teaching materials. It suggests that the best solution would be to write a new textbook that combines the latest achievements of the western world with cultural…