Explores two alternative agendas that define educational practices in the United States: the "unum" agenda, focusing on developing readers who are good citizens and effective workers; and the "pluribus" agenda, which promotes appreciation of diversity, empowerment of disadvantaged groups, and enhanced reader self-esteem. Notes people advocate for…

Outlines findings from study funded by the National College for School Leadership that explored effective leadership in a group of secondary schools in challenging circumstances. Highlights the key characteristics and features of leadership approaches adopted, and argues that the heads in the study operated a shared or distributed model of…

Focuses on the organization Young Aspirations/Young Artists, or YA/YA, that was founded by New Orleans (Louisiana) artist Jana Napoli after inviting high school students to her studio. Provides background information on YA/YA. States that the organization works within the framework of capitalism and gives a voice to adolescents. (CMK)

Describes a pilot mediation program that offers an empowering alternative to problem resolution used by mental health consumers receiving treatment at an inpatient psychiatric center. The training program uses mental health clinicians and consumers (peer advocates) to act as assistants in mediating disputes between consumers and between consumers…

This article describes the process of developing an empowerment approach in a comprehensive child development program that defined its mission as empowerment of families living in poverty. Findings concerning empowerment are presented in two areas: resolution of contrasts and dichotomies, and lessons learned for program effectiveness. (Author)

Analyzed the impact of autonomy and collegiality on elementary teachers' professional development. Data from interviews, questionnaires, document analyses, and observations indicated that autonomy and collegiality appeared in various forms in relationships among the teachers, with certain forms of autonomy and collegiality, and certain…

To witness greater success with technology, educators should begin their planning with a set of assumptions that consider staff fears and frustrations. Staff's personal needs include control, creativity, caring, challenge, and commitment. Professional needs include empowerment, time, assistance, leadership, communication, and opportunity. (MLH)

A self-empowerment leadership program used a metacognitive approach to provide Native participants with a process for dealing with life's challenges, both personally and within their communities. Interviews with 42 participants explored their move toward self-sufficiency and how far they were able to go in transforming individual self-sufficiency…

Describes the steps involved in shifting an American Literature curriculum from teacher-centered to student-centered. Includes strategies to provide learning that is cooperative and dynamic, as well as a process of negotiation, consensus, and disagreement. (NH)

Interviews and observations in a British clothing factory that introduced a new computer numerical control system and teamwork/empowerment showed that "teamwork" actually meant little worker control over daily work; deployment of workers often disrupted group cohesiveness. Worker responses included increased absence and turnover.…

Presents results from two research studies, one using focus groups and the other using surveys, that explored the process and results of educating inservice art teachers in the Artistically Talented Program at Indiana University to become empowered and take on leadership roles. Describes the experience of empowering the teachers to develop their…

In his experiences as a prekindergarten teacher, this author was struck by a simple revelation that has informed and guided his teaching practice. He discovered that the things he enjoyed teaching most were almost always connected to his own passions and values. He found that during fascinating, teachable moments the most novel thing happened: He…

Mentoring is a process in which one person, usually of superior rank and outstanding achievement, guides the development of an entry-level individual. Colleges and universities historically have had new faculty orientation programs and methods to support new faculty matriculation. Mentorship programs, if well developed, can integrate new faculty…

Utilizing an effective literacy program as a case study, the social-constructivist approach to family literacy is discussed in this article. The role of literacy programs as mentor to the apprentice family and the consequent transformation of family to child-mentor is described. Through review of an effective faintly literacy program, it is…

In this article we describe coaching as an intervention for college students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Coaching college students with ADHD empowers individuals to organize and execute their responsibilities, both in academia and in everyday life. With the assistance of a coach, individuals with ADHD can create structure…