Reviews literature and statistics on the increasing incidence of underprepared students entering postsecondary education, highlighting the community colleges' role in responding to students' needs. Puts forth reasons for providing remedial education related to the magnitude of the problem, access for educationally disadvantaged, adult students,…

Use of upper-class students in college freshmen orientation program leadership roles is proposed. Leadership qualities that can be promoted include planning, delegation, communication, decision making, situational analysis, relationship building, initiative, risk taking, stress management, and program evaluation. Two program models are proposed,…

Traces the Canadian Indian residential school movement from its beginnings in the 1830s. Describes emerging negative response of both the government and Indian parents. Notes that the initial goal of assimilation has produced graduates who have led the struggle for Native identity. (NEC)

An overview of youth research from a global perspective is provided. Five substantive areas of youth research are identified: (1) youth movements; (2) transitional processes of youth; (3) social and psychological marginalization; (4) relationships between generations; and (5) physical and character development. (RM)

Summarizes administrative roles from the Ministry of Education to boards of education elected by each prefecture and municipality. Discusses local autonomy in relation to national measures promoting educational equality. Identifies educational needs resulting from Japan's world trade, progress in science and technology, and changes in family life.…

Indicates the need for deliberate, better, and systematic attention to the teaching of critical thinking skills, as per "A Nation At Risk" recommendations. Presents an effective teaching sequence with a definition and classification of critical thinking and stresses the difficulty of the actual teaching of critical thinking skills. (TRS)

Describes two microcomputer-assisted adaptations of traditional methods of teaching word recognition (alphabet-spelling method) and phonics (sound-symbol method) which are designed for use with students who have severe physical and communication handicaps, language disabilities, or fine motor problems. A clinical protocol is outlined for…

In this interview, Neil Postman responds to questions about the destruction and preservation of childhood by such influences as television, computers, the woman's movement, and academics for young children. Emphasizes roles and responsibilities of parents, teachers, and schools in maintaining tradition and culture amid changing social values and…

Isolation, sparsity, smallness, and differentness hamper pursuit of quality rural education. Necessary basic conditions for quality education are attractive buildings with positive school climate; strong teacher/administrator leadership; core curricula reflecting rural values/culture; high academic expectations for all students; and use of…

More states are recognizing that preschool is a vital first step toward helping children succeed in school. Ensuring that preschoolers have a high quality early learning experience provides them with the skills they need for later school success. In New Jersey, the poorest school districts have been collaborating with community-based child care…

The prevailing expectation in education today is, "All children can learn." This expectation includes all children, including disadvantaged children and those who come from poverty. Our actions are guided by our expectations. If we believe that all children can learn, then children can learn. If we believe that children cannot learn, then our self…

Which practices set award-winning principals apart from their equally hard-working peers? Using survey results and contributions from 35 award-winning elementary school principals nationwide, this essential text examines over 100 field-based practices recognized as the best for the elementary school principalship. Organized around seven themes…

This handbook for Iowa school districts was first published many years ago. Since that time, several significant sociopolitical and educational changes have occurred. For example, there has been an increase in the number of languages and cultures represented both in Iowa and in the political arenas of the nation. Immigrants and refugees from…

The articles in this issue of "Focal Point" focus on the Research and Training Center's current work, which reflects the evolution of expectations for partnering with youth and families. Partnering successfully requires not only a philosophical commitment to the value, but also intentional, specific steps to redesign services and reallocate…

The year 2004 marks 40 years since Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and 50 years since the two historic Brown v. Board of Education cases. In recognition of the anniversaries, Americans are gathering to take stock of how much has been accomplished, and how much yet must be done to ensure equality for all. The substandard conditions in…