A random household survey of 569 African-American adults in Oakland and 568 in San Francisco (California) indicates a high prevalence of smoking (41.9 percent), with smoking more likely by those reporting high stress. Stressful environment may contribute to high-risk smoking behavior among urban African Americans. (SLD)

The principal of Samuel Gompers Fine Arts Option School in Chicago (Illinois) has transformed the culture and atmosphere through emphasizing strong leadership, cracking down on safety issues, developing programs of which the whole school could be proud, emphasizing excellence, and encouraging community involvement. (JB)

Presented are 37 environmental science activities for students in grades K-12. Topics include water pollution, glaciers, protective coloration, shapes in nature, environmental impacts, recycling, creative writing, litter, shapes found in nature, color, rain cycle, waste management, plastics, energy, pH, landfills, runoff, watersheds,…

Summarizes four presentations from the 1992 Catholic Library Association's convention: "Native American Stories: An Oral Tradition in Today's Education" (Jim "Two Crows" Wallen); "Christians and a New Friendship with the Earth" (Jane Blewitt); "Earth Energy, Human Energy: Information Power" (Barbara…

Presents an exploratory examination of the causes of social distance characterizing the association between Africans and African Americans. African American's perceptions about Africa and Africans are assessed through anecdotes and impressions, and thoughts and criticisms of Africans about African Americans are considered. A social science…

Describes the teaching profession in European Common Market (ECM) states, reviewing differences in importance of education, salaries, status, rewards, working conditions, and training. Discusses teacher mobility between member states and feasibility of a single market among ECM states. Describes common market for primary school teachers in…

"The American University" remains essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the essence of the work of Jacques Barzun and the nuances of university life. Reflecting on Barzun's observations and his own experience, the author suggests that the university as we know it will become obsolete. (SLD)

A study was done to investigate the impact of public school building conditions on student achievement. An analysis of District of Columbia public schools showed that the size of an individual school's Parent-Teacher Association budget is positively related to the school building's condition and to student academic achievement. (JB)

Presents an activity that integrates science, environmental education, art, and social studies. Students identify and research an endangered species and construct a totem pole depicting the species using a recyclable material. (MDH)

Interviews with low-income and high-income adolescents investigated various aspects of schooling. Low-income adolescents described aggressive behaviors, numerous school circumstances that made them angry, and humiliation and ostracism at school. High-income adolescents felt much more successful at school and entitled to disproportionate school…

Reviews research on remedial education. Examines three questions: (1) what is known about effective methods of providing remedial instruction; (2) how can student success and/or failure be accounted for; and (3) what instructional strategies are most effective. (CFR)

Contends that curriculum theorists often distinguish between the formal or official curriculum from the actual or hidden curriculum. Argues that the hidden curriculum always has a normative, or moral, component and that educators have a responsibility to make the hidden curriculum as explicit as possible. (CFR)

Explores why community services learning (CSL) is the right thing to do for professional renewal, enrichment, and meaning. Examples are given from Gig Harbor High School (Washington). The role of CSL in changing school cultures is also examined. Service learning is a path to better ways to educate. (SLD)

The political events characterizing the start of a teaching career were investigated for three teachers who told the stories of their early years on the job. Data analysis reveals that their thoughts and actions are influenced and sustained in three streams of consciousness (biography, role demands, and school culture). (SLD)

Studies differences in the involvement in talk in classroom situations and the nature of that talk for boys and girls in mathematics/technology and language group work. Results with 15 classes of children aged 4 through 11 years give a picture of the effects of the group's gender balance. (SLD)