Reviews an action research project undertaken by an EFL teacher with her Japanese students in a residential course in England. The study consisted of teacher-student interviews on differences between the British and Japanese ways of life. The article discusses the Japanese notion of "amae" and presents pedagogical implications for…

School legislation is often designed to alter the fundamental structure of the public education system. Article describes elements of charter-school legislation and provides examples of strong and weak laws. Discusses California's experience to date with charter schools, issues to consider when assessing the implications of charter-reform…

Examines the legal context of home schooling. Briefly explains why parents educate their children at home, reviews the history of the phenomenon; considers compulsory attendance laws, and analyzes the legal status of home schooling in the United States. (10 references) (LMI)

In "Tucker v. State of California Department of Education," the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that a public employee has the right to engage in religious advocacy among fellow employees under certain circumstances. Judge Reinhardt suggests that government agencies either ban all employee displays about any topic…

Outlines the legal issues surrounding the provision of school support services and assistive technology for children with disabilities. The definition of assistive technology and related services is examined, with findings from relevant case law provided. Information is provided on interpretation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973…

Argues that a lack of linguistic education in graduate programs purporting to have a major component consisting of foreign language study has serious repercussions for the effectiveness of teachers of second languages. Points out that dealing with misleading textbook presentations requires more time than necessary of teachers lacking a proficiency…

Adults should introduce children to philosophy very young. By reading and discussing philosophic themes, children's natural philosophic talents turn toward real life issues. Parents can help children develop more reflective responses to life by playing thinking games, listening to children's comments, exploring philosophic questions when reading…

Developmental discipline (DD) is an educational system that incorporates the moral reasoning levels of L. Kohlberg into a humanistic program of moral, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development based on accepted psychological theories. DD gives more responsibility for learning to the learner and helps the educator deal with…

This article examines three legal and policy issues affecting students with emotional and behavioral disorders: placement in the least restrictive environment; discipline of students who present a danger to staff and students; and inclusion of students with disabilities in accountability and assessment programs. (DB)

In a videoconference on the future of the U.S. college presidency, focus was on problems faced in dealing with smaller budgets, faculty attitudes, and tensions surrounding affirmative action and campus diversity. Several participants saw the president as spending time fundraising, lobbying, and acting as peacemaker among constituencies rather than…

Questioned Ontario college students and administrators regarding their opinions on standards of practice for postsecondary special needs programs. Respondents indicated strong support for most suggested practices. Fewer administrators, however, supported practices that required enhanced funding, staffing, and resources, and fewer students…

Examined the nature and stability of teacher ratings of early learning-related social skills in 72 preschoolers (3 to 4 years old) and again 1 year later. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modeling revealed that a construct labeled "learning-related social skills," tapping self-control, cooperation, assertion, and…

Presents 10 ideas for service learning projects designed for elementary schools. Includes having students do local history projects complete with interviews and artifacts, learn about community volunteering, interact with the elderly, care for the environment, recycle materials, and hold canned food drives. (MJP)

Describes how educators and families can foster children's sense of responsibility. Activities noted include interactions that support responsibility, such as asking questions that enable children to see some responsible choices; strategies that encourage learning, such as offering challenging, engaging learning opportunities in an interactive…

Focuses on the problems accompanying the transition of students between secondary and postsecondary levels of foreign language study. Points out that the inconsistencies found in placement procedures among Florida's universities and community colleges suggest a need for discussion and collaboration. (23 references) (Author/CK)