The growth experienced by Middlebury College (Vermont) in the 1980s brought stature and satisfaction. However, rising costs in the early 1990s resulted in more strategic planning and some retrenchment, focusing on enhancing the institution's excellence in certain liberal arts areas, gradual enrollment increases, cost and price containment,…

Examines the geographical and political forces that are central to the process of legislative redistricting. Reviews the historical background of the redistricting process and discusses the importance of minority representation. Briefly looks at some of the alternative systems of representation that have been suggested to improve the quality of…

Offers five themes from political geography that could be incorporated into college geography courses: historical specificity of geography; (2) interconnectedness of regions; (3) interpenetration of the human and natural worlds; (4) centrality of culture in social reproduction; and (5) use of political economy to uncover social relations. (MJP)

Presents a conceptual framework that embeds ideas from world-systems theory within the larger context known as the theory of dissipative structures. This perspective reflects the interconnectedness of individual and separate places into a larger global system that is a single functioning spatial entity. (MJP)

Maintains that spreading poverty in Europe has weakened social cohesion and now threatens the construction of the European Community. Initially centered on issues concerning the distribution of resources and goods, the discussion increasingly has focused on the breakdown of social relationships and the question of citizen's rights. (MJP)

Questions 70 politically involved evangelicals on liberal and conservative issues. Discovers a surprising lack of negative correlation (in this instance defined as a strong oppositional belief to positions at the other end of the political spectrum). Discusses possible reasons for this and implications for future research. (MJP)

Using data from a 1987 survey of 1,460 schoolchildren, their parents and teachers, in urban and rural areas of Changchun, China, examines academic and personality outcomes in only children. Finds results similar to Western surveys: only children are more likely to be academically talented. Reveals, however, Chinese rural only children do not score…

Examines the role of public officials, social scientists, and educational planners in New Deal programs for Navajo Indians. States that resistance to community schools and stock-reduction policies caused the failure of New Deal programs. Concludes that the Navajo experience can help social planners deal more effectively with other social groups.…

Discusses French colonial rule of Cameroon between World War I and World War II and the establishment of schools specifically for the sons of Cameroon chieftains. Asserts that, like all French education, these schools were elitist. Contends that the French failure to understand African culture doomed these schools to failure. (CFR)

Considers the dilemma of the instrumental specialist suddenly forced to take over general music class instruction. Advises keeping an open and flexible attitude while realistically appraising the situation. Provides a list of helpful tips and the comments of instrumentalists who found the experience to be a positive one. (MJP)

Describes the development and first-year implementation of a high school madrigal program. The effort has been a resounding success enjoying popular support from the community and providing a creative showcase for the students. Relates those works most popular with audiences and students and includes a list of madrigal resources. (MJP)

Studies the involvement of 15 Chinese immigrant parents or guardians at 1 school in southern California, and provides information on home/school communication. The study determined, through additional interviews with 10 elementary teachers, at which levels of participation did parents and teachers see themselves working and the kinds of…

Contends that this is an exciting and troubling time for historians. Discusses changes in historiography in recent years, particularly in relation to the historical role of minority groups and women. Outlines changing concepts of slavery, liberty, and freedom in U.S. history. (CFR)

Compares mathematics achievement of children in Taiwan and the United States by analyzing the arithmetical learning contexts of each. Interviews with parents and teachers identify cultural beliefs about learning arithmetic; interviews with students identify level of sophistication of arithmetical concepts. Found greater understanding by Chinese…

Reports on a study of the effects of personal characteristics, family involvement, and ability grouping on school participation and commitment. Finds that decreasing levels of school commitment are associated with increasing rates of school crime, misconduct, and nonattendance. (CFR)