Relates how the publication of a book (written in Kikongo, an African native language) designed to raise peasants' awareness in Lower Zaire about desertification and other serious environmental issues had dramatic and surprising implications not only for the environment, but also regarding peasant literacy and the power of reading. (SR)

Some members of Congress retain a Norman Rockwell image of the two-parent household. To make headway with these leaders, educators must get them into schools and neighborhoods to let them see firsthand the crying needs of children and the schools providing safe harbor for a few hours. Administrators should also share their visions of education's…

Outlines the historical development of collaborative pedagogies in the United States of the 1920s, especially as influenced by the progressive educator John Dewey. Examines two key models, the Project Method and the Dalton Plan. Shows how proponents of these plans succeeded and how they failed. (HB)

Creating coordinated, comprehensive, integrated children's policy requires breaking the mold of political convention. The system of political rewards and incentives must be revamped so that interest groups are encouraged to cooperate rather than compete. California's 1992 Healthy Support Services for Children Act (and accompanying $20 million…

Traces some of the historical developments which led to the current state of English instruction in colleges in Britain. Describes a series of ideological and institutional struggles that have marked the field since its inception. Sees these struggles as still raging within the discipline. (HB)

Explains the British government's suppression of the LINC (Language in the National Curriculum) training package materials. Discusses the significance of some of the training materials which will not be published because of the government's actions. (HB)

Examines the governance style of the local school councils (LSCs) to determine the extent to which they are operating in a democratic, open, and participatory manner. It looks at the politics as manifested in LSCs and determines whether democracy exists in this site of power and, if it does, whether it is encouraged in school politics overall.…

Case studies of four school-based primary care clinic (SBC) sites and one community that disputed SBC-examined organized opposition, how proponents handled opposition, and effects of opposition. Opposition limited SBC services and prevented SBC establishment. To overcome opposition, proponents increased public awareness about youth health issues…

Describes British teachers' perceptions of the first year's implementation of elementary school history using a national curriculum (NC). Surveys about staffing, curriculum development, inservice training, department structure, and NC requirements indicated the experience of implementing the NC was difficult, and only half the respondents favored…

"Promised" by the Dawes Act of 1887, U.S. citizenship was finally granted to all Native Americans in 1924 and reaffirmed in 1940 as World War II and military service loomed. Nevertheless, six states prevented Indians from voting until the 1950s. Since then, Indian political participation and voting power have grown, particularly in some western…

Before beginning a teacher-dismissal process, principals must check the district's political climate and tenure rules, and assess teacher performance using appropriate evaluation instruments. To facilitate dismissals, principals should communicate with legislators, unions, and professional organizations; work with districts to improve teacher…

Results of a Council for Basic Education poll of 1,000 voters argue for redefining local control of public education and for raising standards in every part of the country. School boards can ensure easy public access to national standards, demand that local standards be written in plain English, and lobby state officials to clarify statewide…

Tenure has lost public legitimacy. Of 30 states reforming civil-service systems or proposing reforms, Georgia has gone the farthest. Since 1996, new state government hires have been "at will" employees. Erosion of private-sector union strength may aid antitenure political leaders' efforts. A sidebar outlines states' actions. (10…

Concludes that serious questions should be asked about the science-education policy initiatives in South Africa. Cites the efficient and effective use of resources as the most important issue in the reform efforts. Contains 19 references. (DDR)

Addresses questions related to whether the U.S. interest-group system is biased toward the wealthy and privileged and, if so, how they obtain influence. Finds that privileged groups such as business have more influence than groups representing minorities, women, and the poor, but do not have better access to policymakers. (DSK)