This guide is written from the perspective of school-based efforts to help address social problems and drug use among children. Although schools are not solely responsible for the nation's drug problems, the solution will require collaborative efforts among schools, families, communities, and social institutions. No longer are schools just a…

This paper discusses the genius of the principle of normalization in the development of better services for socially devalued people. It argues that the definition of normalization sets a direction for learning-through-action which is clear and convincing, as well as indefinite and conditional, and rests on a deep appreciation of the everyday…

Self-efficacy is mediated by individuals' beliefs or expectations about their capacity to accomplish certain tasks successfully or demonstrate certain behaviors. When individuals have low self-efficacy expectations regarding their behavior, they limit the extent to which they participate in an endeavor and are more apt to give up at the first sign…

The Dayton Science Project emerged in 1990 through the Dayton (Ohio) Public Schools superintendent's efforts to redesign the district's K-12 science curriculum via a university-school partnership. Participants learned that partners need each other, shared understanding is crucial, decisions foster conflict, partner meeting should occur in neutral…

Argues that involving children in curriculum planning develops communication, literacy, and social study skills. Describes four areas to address in the joint planning process: (1) what interests the children; (2) how to get the information; (3) what materials are needed; and (4) what materials the children and teacher will bring. (SD)

Presents a study of World Wide Web use in the classroom among graduates and undergraduates at the University of Wolverhampton (England). The study found that the Web gave students better access to more update information than a university library; greater input into their own learning process, making it more proactive; and more individualized…

Deplores the current drive toward cost efficiency, restructuring, and vocationalization of colleges of education. Cultural studies offer an opportunity to redefine educational theory and practice and educate teachers and administrators to play a vital role in renewing civic life. Concerned with empowerment and the democratic process, cultural…

Survey of 400 Missouri schools compared schools that use integrated curriculum (IC) with those that do not. Explores the extent and type of use of IC, how school principals rate IC success, differences between characteristics of schools that do and do not use IC, and teacher involvement and support across different school levels. Includes data…

Discusses the challenges of implementing school-based conflict-resolution programs, with particular reference to the problems and unique strengths of girls. The Resolving Conflict Creatively program is often well received by young women, but many are hampered by gender expectations that stigmatize girls who act with assertive leadership. (LSR)

Examined final-year undergraduate responses to innovations to determine whether positive learning outcomes in large classes are possible by increasing the range of work in which students are involved. Straightforward adjustments to approach and style produced both positive learning outcomes and an increase in transferable skills. (RJM)

Discusses a college course that employs the basic principles of constructivist education and promotes active learning through social interaction and personal reflection. The course assists students in developing a greater degree of autonomy that will help them in their personal and professional lives. (SM)

Since the 1979 revolution, Iranian women have been expected to fulfill the traditional role of women under Islamic law while contributing to the modern needs of their country. Iranian women have access to a wide range of (gender-segregated) educational opportunities and are drawing on their relatively high levels of educational attainment to…

Stratification and control by a dominant group leave many African American youth feeling powerless, alienated, and angry. A justice-based model of therapy focuses on self-efficacy, personal mastery, competent adaptive behavior, and community-building. The model supports resilience and the group process, and encourages advocating for justice-based…

Discusses the history of teaching, the circumstances surrounding women's entry into teaching, the gendered experience (absence of voice, choice of a teaching career, lack of autonomy, low status/salary, teacher isolation, teacher evaluation, home/school boundaries, and career advancement), and ideas for female teacher empowerment. (SM)

Discusses student empowerment and the importance of including students in planning and implementing conflict resolution programs. The paper describes the "Winning Against Violent Environments" (WAVE) program which trains students to be peer mediators who train other students and adults to be mediators and conflict managers. (SM)