Investigated the meaning of segmented assimilation by examining the effects of physical location, mode of reception, and membership in particular social networks on characteristics such as fluency in English, school performance, and self-perception. Results among various ethnic groups show that identification of oneself as an immigrant protects a…

Three data sets from previous studies demonstrated that children who began kindergarten with less implicit knowledge of books, as compared with well-read-to students, acquired this knowledge in kindergarten and first grade. Results suggest that those in whole-language classes progressed more rapidly. (SLD)

A study in which nonscience professors and graduate students took introductory physics and chemistry courses and found that what makes science unappealing or difficult for some is not subject matter or lack of student preparedness but the way science is packaged. Problems with curriculum design, testing, grading, classroom climate, presentation,…

Provides fully developed library media activities for elementary and middle school students, most of which are designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units. Topics covered include art; reading/language arts, including fiction, point of view, storytelling, and dictionary skills; science; and social studies. (LRW)

Describes programs at the Redwood City Public Library (California), winner of the Library of the Year Award from Gale Research Inc. and "Library Journal." Highlights include a newly renovated building; a mission statement that reflects the library's role; staff development; increases in circulation and reference; children's services; and…

Explores the relationship between the principles of whole-language teaching and whole-language learning, especially for elementary school students, and the culture of many Native American students, listing seven points of compatibility. The experience of the Miccosukee Indian School in Miami (Florida) illustrates the use of whole language. (SLD)

Examined the acquisition of decoding and spelling skills and the writing fluency of first graders who received either whole-language or traditional basal instruction. Children with high phonemic awareness outperformed those with low phonemic awareness on all literacy measures, regardless of the instructional method used. (MM)

Presents information on state school library association activities and concerns, including state conferences, sometimes with joint sponsorship; a continued emphasis on the "Information Power" guidelines; teleconferences; whole language; multiculturalism; literacy; professional development; lobbying efforts; networking; publications;…

Studied whether school culture is represented in common aspects within schools in different countries for one deaf child in Barcelona (Spain), one refugee child in Paris (France), and some of their classmates. Identical characteristics of student interactions found in both schools, and the importance of these interactions are discussed. (SLD)

Infants' visual recognition memory (VRM) at seven months was associated with their general intelligence, language proficiency, reading and quantitative skills, and perceptual organization at six years. Infants' VRM, object permanence, and cross-modal transfer of perceptions at one year were related to their IQ and several outcomes at six years.…

Reports a case study of three kindergarten teachers who were introduced in a university class to emergent literacy research from a developmental perspective. Observations and interviews with the three teachers indicated teachers believed external constraints inhibited child-centered teaching. They held conflicting beliefs about child-centered and…

Describes fully developed library media activities that are designed to be used in connection with specific curriculum units. Highlights include music (the music of Africa), language arts (American Black poets), science (the work of George Washington Carver), and social studies (Laura Ingalls Wilder and the movement West). (LRW)

Examines how rural-urban, nonconformist-Anglican dichotomies characterized Welsh educational history. Discusses how nineteenth-century industrialization and social status encouraged Anglicization of Welsh schools and society. Analyzes subsequent developments that reawakened national consciousness, and demands for Welsh language instruction, now…

Studies curriculum challenges by religious conservatives to the "Impressions" reading series in California. Many parents thought the series promoted satanism, witchcraft, and disrespect toward parents. Data from 22 school districts, 4 of which dropped the series, illustrate the complex nature of such challenges and highlight school…

Tests applicability of dialogical research methods (psychosocial methods of P. Freire) to the investigation of three groups of six to eight Chicano college students. Vignettes incorporating isolation, achievement, or ethnic identity are used to initiate dialogs. Experiences of ethnicity and education from these dialogs can help improve academic…