Explores the origins and significance of the "victim" debate within global feminism. Focuses on the divide produced by the victim debate by examining the evolution of two development planning platforms. Discusses issues facing women in a China under reform and the relevance of the victim debate in the Chinese context. (CMK)

Focuses on the use of student self-assessment in the classroom. Considers using evaluative questions that enable students to think about their work and their growth as learners. Addresses self-evaluation forms for student use. Provides example evaluative questions and self-evaluation forms. (CMK)

Provides a narrative account of the development of a solutions-focused approach to school improvement. Describes the process whereby an urban primary school harnessed the collective energies of all staff (teachers and support staff) to bring about improvement, and considers the role of democratic leadership in reconceptualizing the school as a…

Discusses the benefits of using adolescent literature in the social studies classroom and the importance of student choice. Describes the creation of a multilevel social studies book room and the use of flexible literature circles in the classroom. Outlines techniques for preparing teachers and obstacles teachers encountered implementing the…

The increase in grandparent-headed households is receiving much attention as needs and concerns of these grandparents becomes more widely known. This article describes an empowerment training project and its curriculum that was developed for a group of African-American grandparents. The program resulted in strengthened parenting skills, and…

Examined the influences of perceived dominance and ethnicity on women's safer sex behavior. Surveys of sexually active, heterosexual female college students indicated that perceived dominance significantly predicted personal empowerment regarding sexual decision making in their current relationship and safer sex behaviors. Differences emerged…

Surveyed approximately 100 teachers from 16 charter schools and 100 teachers from 7 traditional schools about perceptions of teacher empowerment, school climate, and working conditions. Results show consistent and practically significant differences in perceptions of teachers in these types of schools. (SLD)

Based on interviews, the stories of two effective teachers of Aboriginal students illustrate how the teachers (one Native and one non-Native) attend to both culture and colonization. In different ways, each teacher integrates language, cultural knowledge, and cultural values into the classroom, thereby equalizing power relationships and dealing…

This replication study continued the examination of the psychometric properties of the Foundation Practice Self-Efficacy scale (FPSE) with a sample of MSW students. As in the original study, evidence was found regarding the reliability, validity, and sensitivity to change of this measure. First, internal reliability estimates for the FPSE all…

Using data gathered from a multi-year field study, this article identifies specific life-course events shared by gang-affiliated women. Gangs emerge as a cultural adaptation or pro-social community response to poverty and racial isolation. Through the use of a social-network approach, data show that violence dramatically increases in the period…

Empowerment is a social-action process through which people gain greater control, efficacy, and social justice. One way to develop empowerment is through active, meaningful participation in community groups and activities. Social cohesion is an emerging construct that expands the notion of community participation to include elements such as shared…

Seven basic tasks are presented that must be accomplished for successful residential treatment of multiply abused children, and methods are described to achieve each task. The tasks are: empowering the children, respecting their need for privacy, helping them to feel safe and creating "safety nets" for them, building and supporting their defenses,…

This commentary summarizes four major themes emerging from this special issue: (a) Consultation with nonmainstream families involves empowering parents to navigate the public education system, integrating cultural considerations into consultation and intervention, and educating families and school personnel; (b) a participatory process that brings…

The article discusses efforts made by native scholars across the U.S. to decolonizing research methodologies. It states that for many years, educators and students at tribal colleges and universities (TCL's) have recognized contributions of community-based scholars and their efforts to preserve and revitalize their cultural traditions and ways of…

Using national survey data, the author finds little relationship between decision-making authority and the actual decisions that are made.