Students in middle grades have been neglected in education reform initiatives of the 1980s, yet outcomes for early adolescents have profound implications for society and the economy. Stressing the importance of higher order thinking and the dangers of risk-taking behaviors, this article urges increased middle grade intervention and reform. (AF)

Asserts that two conflicting versions of history were taught to Estonian children during Soviet rule. Maintains that, although the official version was taught at school, the unofficial one was discovered by each child with the help of parents or other adults. (CFR)

Discusses the ways in which various American Indian community schools and programs have addressed the concept of language and cultural maintenance and renewal, focusing on the role of bilingual programs, classroom interactions, community involvement, and indigenous teachers. The perspectives of the Yupik Indians on indigenous education are…

Asserts that there is a tension between the idea that society is composed of free, rational beings and the view that one group should set themselves up as arbiters for what others should read. Discusses parental rights and the role of parents in determining what books are suitable for children. (CFR)

Describes the process that the National Center on Educational Outcomes used to generate outcomes that could be viewed as applying to all students. Descriptions of the process should provide special services personnel with a perspective on how they might be leaders in developing school goals and standards for students. (RJM)

Suggests that educational researchers need to (1) expand schooling beyond the narrow interests of the marketplace; (2) view multiculturalism as central to democracy; (3) refuse to equate nationalism and monoculturalism; and (4) substitute community, solidarity, and public responsibility for emphasis on choice and individual competitiveness. (SLD)

Key points in the articles of this issue are discussed and preliminary criteria for school-linked service efforts are reviewed. Six critical issues requiring additional attention in implementing school-linked services are the following: (1) systemic change; (2) targeting; (3) financing; (4) evaluation; (5) state and federal leadership; and (6)…

The current tripartite system of human services delivery (education, health, and social services) is unable to deal with children with multiple problems in an effective, coordinated way due to fragmentation, specialization, and complexity. Reorganizing the current system by linking or integrating services could provide many advantages, as…

Reviewing evidence from high school completion and dropout rates, college attendance, test scores, and international comparisons leads to the conclusion that U.S. schools do a pretty good job of teaching students who are ready to learn. Given what schools have to contend with, their performance is indeed impressive. (SLD)

Because the growth of health and social service professionals in schools has implications for schools, teachers, and teacher education, coordination and collaboration among these professions should be improved. Modifications which reflect the need for knowledge and understanding of human services that affect at-risk students are needed in teacher…

Examines effects of the Persian Gulf War on elementary school and secondary school students and school responses through focus groups and interviews with school personnel, a survey of 97 students, and a discussion with 4 Chaldean-American middle school girls. Diverse attitudes required varying school responses. (SLD)

The article describes children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), noting it can contribute to school underachievement, learning disabilities, difficulties in social adjustment, and emotional disorders. It examines diagnosis, neurobehavioral factors, and outcome and discusses coping via behavior modification at home, classroom…

The metaphor of walking in two worlds is frequently used to describe goals of education for indigenous groups in the United States. Five assumptions that lie behind this metaphor are examined critically. It is argued that this metaphor reduces the options available to Native Alaskans and American Indian students. (SLD)

Discusses ways schools must restructure to provide school-linked services. Education personnel must learn to work with other agencies and to expand the boundaries of their efforts. Practical implications of school-linked services are illustrated via reference to the New Beginnings program of the San Diego (California) city schools. (SLD)

Eight papers discuss the public choice model of education in an international context and the implications of choice for parental involvement in schools. Perspectives/dilemmas in the United States, Great Britain, Japan, and Israel are considered. Conflicting views of schools as service organizations and schools as commonwealth organizations are…