An initiation ceremony which marks the passage from adolescence to adulthood in an African village is the topic of this learning module for elementary and secondary students. A reading is adapted from the autobiography of a Guinean youth who participated in the initiation experience with other boys in his village at the age of 12 years. A lesson…

A study examined how the family structure has changed over time in contemporary realistic children's literature for middle readers. There is an ongoing debate in this country about what defines a family and whether it is in transformation or becoming extinct. Since 1960 there is evidence that the family structure has changed. The books selected in…

James B. Duke established the Duke Endowment in 1924. This document examines what the Carolinas have accomplished since that time--both through the endowment's investments and otherwise--and what remains to be achieved. The first chapter describes the Carolinas' of the 1920s. While the rest of the nation enjoyed economic prosperity, the rural…

A survey investigated the attitudes of Japanese university students and their non-Japanese university teachers toward testing and the use of textbooks in their English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) classroom. Subjects were 120 students and 13 native English-speaking instructors at 3 Japanese universities. Results reveal a gap in attitudes between the…

To prosper in the future, unions will have to expand from their traditional blue-collar base, revise their approach to appeal to new worker values, and cooperate internationally. (IS)

The high level of college admission of women in Japan is analyzed relative to changes in social and educational values, continuing evidence of gender tracking, persistent doubts regarding "appropriateness" of higher education for women, employment opportunities and related national legislation, and values held by Japanese women…

Reports on a survey of Minnesota's African-American community college faculty concerning their own employment situations and the reasons why the recruitment and retention of African-American faculty have not been successful overall despite two decades of affirmative action. Looks at social and psychological barriers to increasing diversity, and…

Argues that, through education, we can create a democratic culture and that, within a democratic culture, education may flourish. Locates the roots of this belief in the rebelliousness and critical mind set of the Enlightenment. Considers how to honor and extend this thinking in current educational practices. (MJP)

Examines changes in the positions and concerns of South African sociologists of education as they move from an oppositional status to a more ambiguous space. These sociologists now face the prospect of choosing between criticism and reconstructive efforts. Reviews themes and issues related to this conflict. (MJP)

Describes a multimethod study of the perceptions of master's students in student affairs programs. Focused on self-reported, descriptive information about students' backgrounds, behaviors, skills, knowledge and comfort level concerning women, people of color, and gays, lesbians, or bisexuals. Also includes students' perceptions of the graduate…

Provides a concise and fascinating overview of the historical development of international efforts responding to incidents of atrocities and oppression. Traces this humanitarian impulse from the mid-19th century, through the League of Nations, to the current United Nations. Considers the limitations and potentialities of current endeavors. (MJP)

Contends that, although the history of the American west has always illustrated cultural diversity, the significant role of women has not received sufficient attention. Discusses the role of women, including American Indian women, in the European conquest and settlement of the western areas of the United States. (CFR)

Asserts that Russian society and Russian schools are going through a profound crisis. Maintains that the best approach to solving social and educational problems is to restore and develop national principles and group cohesion. Criticizes the United States and Japanese educational systems and calls for Russia to follow its own path. (CFR)

Reports on the social orientation and educational plans of 1,630 Russian ninth-graders in 21 urban areas. Asserts that family differences have a significant influence on students' future educational plans. Students hold knowledge and science in less esteem because of the recent declining income of college graduates. (CFR)

Reports on an action research study on improving equality of opportunity for students in a socially and racially mixed classroom. Finds that students were empowered by their involvement setting up and drawing conclusions from the study. Questions the extent to which research should focus on race, social class, or gender. (CFR)