Psychologist Howard Gardner argues that schools fail because they do not confront often flawed childhood theories about the world that students bring to the classroom. He claims teachers must acknowledge, challenge, and build on such assumptions so students can internalize lessons taught in school and apply them outside the classroom. (SM)

Examines sex-typing of children's housework and how parents indirectly and directly affect children's chores. Data for 600 households from the 1988 National Survey of Families and Households show that sex-typing is common and that father and mother effects were strongest in relation to the child of the same sex. (JB)

Guidelines for appropriate test preparation practices are presented to ensure that tests used in high-stakes situations generate scores that represent their domains validly. These guidelines do not rely directly on two evaluative standards proposed by W. J. Popham (1991), although they share the concern for appropriate test preparation. (SLD)

Argues that the following steps will effectuate educational reform: (1) provision of more latitude and flexibility in school governance; (2) business commitment to using and upgrading the inner-city workforce; (3) consumer understanding of rights and options available within public education; and (4) government understanding of the danger of…

Use of energy-conservation technology and utility rebates can yield millions of dollars in savings and significant environmental benefits. The University of Rochester (New York) will halve its energy use within five years. Its experiences with consumption management, supply management, and student involvement may be useful to other colleges.…

Reviews recent actions by state legislatures and courts in response to the problems of drug-exposed newborns. Also discusses civil and criminal court decisions regarding women who use drugs during pregnancy. State policy responses cannot be developed without a detailed assessment of the state's resources. (SLD)

Describes efforts toward human rights education in Europe and how these efforts might be utilized in teaching about children's rights. Offers examples of work to help children acquire a sense of their community and its structures. Includes student drafted charters and declarations, children's councils, cooperative education, and community service.…

Parents can minimize the dangers their children face in the world. As individuals, they can arm themselves with safety information and have conversations about safety subjects. Parents working together in PTA groups can accomplish the most to keep their children safe in school and the community. (SM)

Educators have forsaken public education's goals and their responsibility to parents and the community by substituting standardized test scores, college entrance requirements, varsity sports, and academic competition for helping young people prepare for life. Schools must involve the community in helping all students learn major life roles,…

A recent case study examined how the organizational changes from junior high to middle school influenced the science program for a large North Carolina school system, focusing on teacher preparation, time allocation, interdisciplinary instruction, equipment allocation, and information and leadership issues. Science instruction was enhanced under…

Examines differences between maternal verbal teaching interactions that facilitate adult transfer of task responsibility as demonstrated by children's improved task performance after a teaching session among low- and high-risk mother-child dyads. (Author/BB)

This article reviews societal demands for increased accountability and social responsibility by academic medicine. The Association of American Medical Colleges is urged to prepare more generalist physicians and assure better access to health care services. A "National System of Regional Medical Care" is proposed. (Author/DB)

A survey of 90 colleges and universities found that 40 percent have internal audit departments. Information on auditor time allocation, salary ranges, departmental independence, and auditor roles and responsibilities was collected. A summary analysis by type of institution (large, small, research, nonresearch, public, independent, four-year,…

School authorities need to be aware of various sources of federal law coverage on requirements for limited-English-speaking children suspected of needing special education. The overall thrusts of the law are to avoid "overinclusion," and, for those students properly identified, to provide bilingual special education. (51 references) (MLF)

Explores definitions of adult literacy. The shift toward a more learner-centered education makes literacy meaningful to teachers and learners mutually and can be achieved through joint planning of instruction so that students share responsibility for determining what is needed. New definitions of literacy bring new insights. (SLD)