This introduction to a series of five articles in a clinical forum outlines the forum theme, that culturally/linguistically diverse children can be validly and reliably assessed and treated for communication disorders. The introduction notes the growing population of minority children in the United States and the critical shortage of minority…

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) monitors six categories of health-risk behaviors: injury-inviting behaviors, tobacco use, alcohol and other drug use, sexual behaviors, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. This report summarizes results from the national survey, 35 state surveys, and 16 local surveys conducted among high…

Discusses increased advocacy for community participation in education. Points out that policies often fail to differentiate between different types of communities. Recognizes that community knowledge bases and motives for supporting education can differ from the governments. Stresses the need for policies to account for diversity of circumstances.…

The Navajo Nation wants a 2-year Navajo language requirement for regional colleges. At the same time, literacy in academic English is required for Navajo students wishing to enter the sciences, medicine, and law. The difficulties students face as they make the transition from English to Navajo and from Navajo to English are described. Four…

Discusses problems and controversies associated with preservice teacher education curricular reform, teacher preparation programs and the learning disabilities field, and restructuring teacher preparation programs to prepare teachers to work with culturally diverse students with learning disabilities. Recruitment and retention of culturally…

Conducted in-depth interviews with early childhood teachers in Sweden, Russia, and United States as to their society's influence on early childhood education. Found differences in responses related to the macro-, meso-, and micro-levels of the societal system. Findings deepen understanding about multidimensional relationships between early…

Compared speech of kindergartners and first-graders from Turkey and America to investigate how characteristics of their spoken languages affect development of phonological awareness and how the relationship between spoken language and orthography affect phonological awareness and word recognition. Results suggest that characteristics of a spoken…

Debate concerning "African-American" as a better racial/ethnic designator than "Black" has become a major public issue. While proponents of the term argue that it gives Blacks a land and culture to mark their identity and experience, others consider the question irrelevant to the solution of serious socioeconomic problems. (AF)

Contends that educational policy in Zimbabwe from 1934 to 1954 served the political purposes of the colonial government and neglected genuine educational development of the colonized Africans. During George Stark's tenure as Director of Native Education, Zimbabweans were consigned to "practical training" programs and were denied access…

Presents an account of the project approach used by American first graders to study Japan. (BB)

Several articles explain the integrated interdisciplinary approach used in Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities) program, which prepares educators to teach students of culturally diverse backgrounds. After an overview of PETOM, the articles look at the mathematics, science, art, and social studies modules. (SM)

As part of Hawaii's PETOM (Preservice Education for Teachers of Minorities) program, future educators are taught not only to teach but also to enjoy reading and writing. The article explains how PETOM students learn the joys and struggles of reading and writing and learn to become teachers of the subjects. (SM)

This article identifies factors which hinder people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds from achieving careers in special education and related services, including demographic, institutional, and cultural factors. It reviews training trends and successful programs which foster a more pluralistic outlook on teacher education and…

Discusses the nature of cultural dislocation in terms of self-validation issues, cultural conflicts, and cultural attachment. Presents cultural conflict model, which incorporates two cultural conflict dimensions. Explores counselor role as client-validator and help-seeking issues, with practical suggestions for increasing helper sensitivity in…

Describes the Library Reference Assistant Program at the State University of New York College at Oswego that was developed to recruit and instruct students of color and nontraditional students in assisting librarians at the reference desk. Topics discussed include financial support; collaboration; costs; and training and evaluation. (Contains…