Describes a year-long study in a combined fourth- and fifth-grade classroom that observed student participation in literacy learning activities. Notes that as students participated in reading, writing, and talking about quality literature, they learned to make sense of texts by using contextual clues and connecting the reading to their own…

Article suggests that an analysis of changing enrollment patterns in British Columbia independent schools can help researchers obtain accurate figures on the diversity of students in Canada's public schools. The analysis should also illustrate the growing diversity of the overall population. (Contains data sources, 1 table, and 22 references.)…

Looks at the impact government initiatives on classroom practices and the process of writing. Notes that the first year of the project has gathered and analyzed data from a longitudinal study of writing in Ohio, and a series of contrasting case studies in England. Finds that government mandates set up professional dilemmas that teachers had to…

Describes the nature of culture, and examines the cultural and learning differences between Japan and Great Britain in relation to the communicative approach. Warns of stereotyping that ignores sub-cultures and individual personality. (Author/VWL)

Examines social practices of ethnic identity among 60 students in 2 groups, Puerto Rican migrants' descendants (PRMD) and Puerto Ricans, following face-to-face experiences in Puerto Rico. Results indicate PRMD base ethnic identity on motivational (thinking, feeling) criteria; islanders on behavior. Reveals contrast- and resentment-based social…

Reviews current data on adolescent drug use, noting that, for drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and stimulants, lifetime prevalence continues to increase through high school; for inhalants and heroin, lifetime prevalence may decline, suggesting that students who use these drugs early may drop out. Examines drug use among rural, barrio, ghetto,…

Among the many factors that influence the level and quality of Southeast Asian parents' involvement with schools are parents' literacy level, prearrival education, and strong cultural beliefs. Provides implications for principals and selected resources. (13 references) (MLF)

Describes and analyzes role problems of trainers who conduct conflict-management workshops between Arabs and Jews in Israel. Uses role theory to focus on problems of role ambiguity and role conflict, citing examples of each. Concludes with discussion of consequences of role problems on trainers' performance. (Author/TE)

Compared problem-solving behaviors of four samples of couples, sorted by marital happiness/distress and culture (German and Australian). Results showed cultural differences in frequency and functional significance of negative verbal communication, along with cross-culturally consistent marital behaviors associated with marital distress. (Author/TE)

The nineteenth-century debate over use of the manual versus the oral approach to deaf education is discussed and related to the prevailing social and educational thought. Both approaches are seen as oppressive and antideaf. Current efforts to reconceptualize deafness have produced calls for bilingual-bicultural programs. (IAH)

Describes a beginning-level English-as-a-Second-Language curriculum that promotes cross-cultural understanding and improves communication skills through oral class presentations about the teacher's and students' cultures. Activities include preparatory library research on the speakers' topic, 10-minute presentations followed by class discussions…

This article describes cross-cultural counseling for students with disabilities and their families. Suggestions are given for developing less biased attitudes toward children from cultural groups outside the mainstream. (Author/PB)

Reconsiders S.M. Lipset's thesis on value differences between Canadians and Americans. Uses data from national surveys to test Lipset's argument. Analyses reveal no national differences or differences that are opposite to those hypothesized by Lipset. Speculates on contemporary reasons for new findings. Discusses inherent difficulties associated…

Analyzes responses of Brazilian and American students to measures of behavioral intention, perceived norms, and feelings regarding prosocial behaviors in both public and anonymous conditions. Concludes that Brazilians had internalized ingroup norms but that Americans had complied with norms because of social desirability pressures. (FMW)

Examines several problems posed for empirical and theoretical research by the achievement of hegemony by one culture or system of thought over others. Discusses minority underrepresentation and its impact on knowledge production in education and the social sciences. Questions the universal utility of some highly respected tenets of science. (JS)