Argues that "empowering" as a philosophy of education must balance its commitments to personal growth and to society, recognizing that just as personal power is primary and prerequisite to synergy so personal growth is prerequisite to societal contribution. (SRT)

The author argues that the primary concern of adult education in developing nations should be to empower adults to be agents of change. He discusses the roles of adult education, adult education as a national instrument, values and adult education, and the purpose of adult education. (CT)

Meeting the needs specified by accountability measures under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has provided the importance for schools to create innovative systems for curricular management. To meet adequate yearly progress, schools must be able to address standards and assessment changes in an effective manner. This case study chronicles one…

Asset mapping is an effective tool for understanding the wealth of talent and resources that exists in each community--even those with small populations or suffering from poverty and economic distress. The long-term development of a community rests on its ability to uncover and build on the strengths and assets of its people, institutions, and…

The complexities of child and youth violence suggest that the solution requires a concerted approach. This paper draws upon research studies that seek to isolate the root causes of violence and the effect of exposure to violence on children. Factors from the home, school, and community environments may provide both the cause and the cure. There is…

This symposium proceedings reports on the background, purpose, and implementation of meetings held on May 19-21, 1997 that focused on race, language, and special education. Participants from school districts in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont formed teams that included two or more of the following: local…

This book addresses the importance of student involvement in improving the quality of schools. It demonstrates how bringing together students of all achievement levels using empowering activities helps everyone. Chapter 1 demonstrates how student involvement can be used to alter the culture of a school and includes examples of specific projects to…

This paper describes a model course that places the intersection of information literacy and critical thinking within the conceptual framework of how information technology impacts cultural, political, economic, and social systems in American society. Stepping beyond the boundaries of traditional library instruction, this model course also…

This paper introduces the subjectivist teaching/learning paradigm (STP), which uses students' social and cultural enculturation processes to structure affect-laden constructivist learning experiences focused in the subject area being taught. STP uses powerful learning experiences to promote two goals: enculturation into the subject area and…

The Idaho Rural Partnership (IRP) was created within the Idaho Department of Labor to join diverse public and private resources in innovative collaborations to strengthen communities and improve life in rural Idaho. The IRP is an accessible organization that listens to local problems and collaborates to develop systemwide solutions. The board of…

Although increasing numbers of organizations are speaking out on behalf of children, politicians need to hear first-hand from families about their concerns for their children. This book provides parents and others with skills necessary to organize effectively and speak out on issues that affect children at home, at school, and in the broader…

This issue of the "Early Childhood Bulletin" identifies and discusses issues of concern regarding financial support for parent members of Interagency Coordinating Councils (ICCs). Information gathered via letters, conversations, and interviews with parent ICC members from around the country is summarized. The article consists of six…

This issue of the "Early Childhood Bulletin" describes some of the ways in which parents are learning to speak out on behalf of young children and their families being served through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part H early intervention programs. The document consists of four sections in which parents share…

This report examines five dimensions of various initiatives intended to empower students. It is based on two case studies of schools belonging to the Coalition of Essential Schools, a school-reform project aimed at improving teaching and learning in American schools. The report focuses on the level of power that administrators and teachers…

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of the Whole Schooling Research Project, a collaborative, qualitative study of inclusive education and its relationship with exemplary teaching and schooling practices in 16 schools in Michigan and Wisconsin from 1998 through 2002. The study focused on the application of five principles of…