Ten female doctoral students in nursing, aged 30-50, expressed a loss of "voice" in the educational experience. In a process viewed as an heroic journey, they achieved empowerment through the formation of a community of scholarly caring and emancipation resulting from assertion of their scholarly identity. (SK)

Examines implications for teamwork and school management, based on findings from a two-year study of senior management teams in British secondary schools. Discusses valuable lessons about teamwork's strains and gains, using a dual theoretical perspective encompassing both power and culture. Shows how the conflict between hierarchy and equal…

This article discusses four necessary elements of the self-advocacy movement: gaining awareness of one's social and political situation; gaining awareness of individual strengths and potential; taking action through participation in community organizations; and having advisors collaborate with people with disabilities rather than treating them as…

Explains how community service learning (CSL) is political and how teachers may transform their curriculum by engaging students in issues of social and personal empowerment. It explores how youth leadership in CSL projects offers a means for students to build a new sense of themselves as purposive actors with a commitment to building better…

Misunderstandings about power flourish amid unintellectualized notions of democracy, fairness, and idealized realities. To possess power, individuals and institutions must develop, take, exercise, and assert it. They empower themselves. It took a revolution for the Americans to secure independence from the British Empire. In school management…

Describes a walkabout program that a sixth-grade teacher developed for her students from several models designed for older students. The program's basic structure revolves around five areas of personal development: adventure, creative expression, local inquiry, practical skills, and service. This voluntary program's success hinges on developing…

Discusses four contemporary artists who use oral history in their art: Peggy Diggs, Tomie Arai, Sheila De Brettville, and Jackie Brookner. Argues that their use of oral history is empowering because it is sensitive to the relationship between researcher/artist and narrator. Outlines implications of using oral history in art education. (Author/PAL)

A student staff inquiry project in one university's department of health education assessed the motivation and satisfaction of student staff and peer educators. Students created interview tools, collected and analyzed data, and developed recommendations. Through this student-driven process, several themes emerged (the need for more department…

Interviews with 35 students who participated in student-led Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings confirmed that students were able to describe the purpose and benefits of an IEP, their disabilities, and their rights. Observation of student participation in IEP meetings for five students verified that all participated throughout their…

The following categories of research on choice behavior of individuals with severe developmental disabilities are reviewed: assessing their choice making, building choice opportunities in daily contexts, and evaluating the effects of choice making. Research suggests that most people with severe developmental disabilities are capable of making…

Describes Project Friends, a mixed-age classroom of kindergartners, first graders, and second graders, including its beginnings, significant features (such as use of integrated thematic curriculum and "clubs"), and outcomes. Asserts that the program has empowered children for learning and encouraged helping relationships among children.…

Examines uses of humor in middle level classrooms and relationships between humor and effective teaching. Suggests that, with the incorporation of humor into the classroom to facilitate rapport building, student empowerment, creative thinking, attention, self-esteem, and socialization, middle-level teachers have the power to become the genesis for…

Reports findings, based on a two-year study, of a collaborative effort to develop a learning-centered curriculum which would result in an inviting learning-centered classroom community. Supports the tenet that effective programs feature knowledgeable teachers who have the expertise and inclination to encourage all children to succeed. (RJM)

Describes a theoretically and empirically based groupwork approach designed to meet the unique needs of high-risk, inner- city parents and thereby provide effective mental health services. Provides a summary of the clinical issues and needs identified by group members, and recommendations for the development of innovative approaches to serve urban…

A study examined the effect of self-determination contracts for 8 students (ages 9-10) with severe emotional/behavioral problems. Students completed daily self-determination contracts to schedule their work, plan for work outcomes, evaluate progress, and adjust for the next day's activity. Pre- and post-assessment found significant academic…