Presents the term empowerment in historical context, reviews empowerment's disciplinary and theoretical sources, establishes a framework for studies that discuss empowerment in the context of programs for minority groups, and cautions against loose, uncritical use of empowerment in social action and pedagogy (which can create further…

Discusses the role of tribal colleges in tribal development. Highlights the struggle for tribal self-determination and types of leadership that promote self-determination. Offers examples of institutional missions that promote tribal culture and curricula supporting that mission. Suggests strategies to sustain tribal identity and empower students…

Argues that librarians must strive to unlock people's minds from an early age with the power of the printed word, and urges them to be active advocates for children, to speak out for children's rights to read, to become educated, and to succeed. It is suggested that librarians mobilize through involvement in professional associations. (SD)

By eliminating categorical labels traditionally assigned to students, staff, materials, rooms, instructional procedures, and behavior management practices and promoting teacher and student participation, the Winooski (Vermont) School District has moved away from a dual education system. Collaboration and teaming practices are the cornerstone of…

To empower teachers, school administrators must be effective communicators adept at matching style to purpose, recognizing the content and relational aspects of verbal messages, and realizing the importance of perceptions, positive reinforcement, active listening, flexible speaking styles, and nonverbal messages. Creating a positive communication…

Contends that empowerment and student autonomy strongly correlate with self-confidence; that this increases with incremental successes; and that any success is the outcome of acquiring and applying appropriate skills. Argues that geography students will be better life-long learners if they are taught enabling skills early in their programs. (DSK)

Examines one high school's implementation of a conflict resolution program, focusing on how the teacher's use of this process affected both teacher and students. Full development of a caring community, including mutual trust and respect, is needed to allow students to become fully self-responsible and empowered. The teacher's philosophy,…

The widely implemented "Success For All" program is designed to restructure elementary schools serving children at risk of failure. Primary goals are preventing remediation and empowering students. Principals must manage program resistance, create a supportive culture, demonstrate commitment to program structures, select appropriate…

Research suggests there is little correlation between spending more on public education and getting better results. The success of Catholic and charter schools, which receive far less money, underscores that more money is not the key to better educational outcomes. Giving parents power to send their children to schools that deliver what works is…

Discusses the urgent need to develop leadership in early childhood education in order to improve the quality of programming for infants, toddlers, young children, and their families. Describes five areas of leadership skills: advocacy, administrative, community, conceptual, and career development. (KB)

Investigates characteristics of participative decision making in schools implementing the School Management Initiative by using a three-dimensional model and both quantitative and qualitative methods. Reveals a deprivation state in decision making regarding issues of managerial and technical domains, but a positive attitude among teachers toward…

The co-director of a small independent school describes Girls' Class, which she created in order to have a special time together with the girls in grades 6 through 8. The class provides guidance and celebrates spirituality and the beginning of menses for the young women. To end the class, each person says a positive self-affirmation and gives…

Identifies and explains the metaphors of carnation and reincarnation that provide a visual portrayal of sharing, teaching, and practicing leadership for art educators. Highlights other metaphors in which women holding leadership roles are discussed. Conveys the importance of community and mentors in the creation of leaders. (CMK)

Discusses the formulation of the Australian Literacy Benchmarks for Year 3 and Year 5. Suggests they (1) lay claim to designating a minimum standard; (2) represent "fuzzy" standards; and (3) are a composite based on a number of underlying criteria. Claims teachers' knowledge of student literacy achievement is a richer source of valid…

Discusses strategies for encouraging student participation in the development of an Individualized Education Program for a child with a disability. Outlines the significant steps in the process including developing a vision, prioritizing learning needs, collaborative problem solving, setting goals, and planning the intervention. (CR)