There are several disturbing trends in U.S. public life. Citizens are increasingly distancing themselves from the institutions that structure decision making in the public domain. There is a diminishing sense of community, individuals tend not to have any personal obligation to their fellow citizens, nor do they seem to expect any consideration…

The following two types of student mobility stand out as causing educational problems: (1) inner-city mobility, which is prompted largely by fluctuations in the job market; and (2) intra-city mobility, which is caused by upward mobility or by poverty and homelessness. Most research indicates that high mobility negatively affects student…

In response to state legislation specifying criteria by which schools should identify elementary school and secondary school students at risk of dropping out, schools in the Austin (Texas) Independent School District reported students who were at risk in 1990-91. The operational definitions for the state criteria for grades 7-12 include age,…

This case study of the New World School of the Arts (Miami, Florida) outlines the planning, problem solving, and management involved in establishing the school. The New World School is both a public high school and college, providing intensive training in the performing and visual arts, as well as a full academic curriculum. A brief history,…

Dropout research reveals that students attending two-year institutions persist at significantly lower rates than students enrolled in four-year schools. In addition, the research indicates that student involvement in campus life at any institution increases the likelihood of persistence. Therefore, a major challenge for student services staff in…

An in-depth investigation of the inner components of cooperative learning methodologies was made, concentrating on five basic research questions. These were: (1) Do teacher's focusing questions and interaction with students during cooperative learning facilitate students' critical thinking skills? (2) In what ways do cooperative learning groups…

Results of a 1980-81 survey of the perception of the Brazosport (Freeport, Texas) community regarding the Brazosport Independent School District (BISD) are summarized. The survey instrument consisted of: (1) a cover letter from the superintendent; (2) Part I--a series of multiple-choice questions on various education issues in Brazosport; (3) Part…

The paper summarizes some educational research findings regarding effective schooling practices. Only those findings which have particular impact on educational program planners in the field of migrant education are discussed. These findings pertain to the following issues: class size, group size, ability grouping, parent participation in…

A study of Hispanic participation in administration of the 106 California community colleges (administered through district organizations) counted persons with Spanish surnames listed in the "Directory of California Community Colleges 1981-82" as participating in administration at district or college level. Hispanic administrators were…

Although school desegregation was initiated to address a social inequity--segregated schooling was seen as stigmatizing blacks as a social group--research has focused primarily on desegregation's effects on black academic achievement and self-esteem. Two problems have made this research difficult: the ambiguity of the term "school desegregation"…

Contending that the physical plants of colleges and universities are deteriorating and inadequately fit existing institutional programs, this report diagnoses causes underlying this neglect and recommends strategies for upgrading campus care and management. Pointed out as fundamental problems are: lack of integration of physical plant concerns…

Intended for teachers, librarians, and reading specialisits, the articles in this collection of essays address the problem of how to determine, capture, and then maintain children's interest in the reading process. Preceded by biographical information on the contributors and a brief introduction, the essays have been placed into one of four major…

A review of writing and reading competencies among college students in general and education majors in particular indicates possible directions in setting teacher education admission standards, in providing language instruction courses for student teachers, and in establishing criteria for exiting teacher education programs. As is suggested by…

Representing a collective effort by scholars belonging to four ethnic minority groups in the United States (Blacks, Asian and Pacific Americans, American Indians, and Hispanic Americans), this book discusses training, curriculum, and research needs in the education of students who intend to enter the mental health professions and work with these…

A profile of the role and status of the English language in Lesotho, Africa, is presented. The following topics are outlined: (1) the extent of the use of English as the second official language; (2) instruction in English at the elementary and secondary levels and at each of the postsecondary institutions in the country; (3) the number, ratio,…