This study examined how Illinois and Massachusetts are attempting to establish a more inclusive educational system as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The study looked at factors affecting inclusion in six categories: (1) funding, (2) education delivery systems, (3) political climate, (4) Federal and State regulations…

In 1987, parents and teachers from diverse neighborhoods of a local school district in New York (New York) founded the Bronx New School, a small public elementary school of choice that was meant to be learner-centered, with high standards for all. The school was organized into heterogeneous, multi-age classes and structured to encourage…

Education professionals have long known that family background is a stronger predictor of academic success than are school or teacher characteristics. The past 30 years have seen a series of drastic alterations in patterns of family living in the United States, and these changes mean that a substantial number of youngsters are being born or are…

This report describes early childhood development (ECD) in Africa and the Bernard van Leer Foundation's strategies for early childhood programs in African nations. Chapter 1 examines the context in which Africa's children are growing up, focusing on the hardships that many children face, as well as the efforts made by families, communities, and…

This conference sought to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on how parents, teachers, and other concerned individuals can contribute to strengthening the educational support system, and to generate practical information on strategies to improve achievement levels of youth. A conference program prospectus by Louise M. Tomlinson offers a…

This essay explores the ways in which certain aspects of personality are acquired through socialization. The intent was to gain a broader understanding as to how cultural norms, particularly sex roles, influence personality development. Socialization is discussed in terms of societal norms and standards transmitted by the institutions of the…

This book compares small schools in various countries with large ones and offers cost effective strategies for small schools. Part I focuses on social, economic, and educational issues related to small schools. Small schools are beneficial to their communities as centers of social development. In addition, small schools have a more cooperative…

In an effort to compare the socialization of Latino and White children with regard to health, a study was undertaken of 94 Latino and White mothers, 75 Latino and White fathers, and their fourth-grade children attending Catholic schools in a mid-sized west coast city. A questionnaire was administered to the children, assessing their locus of…

How objective are the research methods of sociologists? Is the scientific method more or less bias-free or truthful than other methods? Even assuming that the scientific method is the best or most truthful method presently available to sociologists, how do researchers know which theory to test? This paper, an introductory essay to a college…

The following 14 essays consider relationships among schooling, education, and the state; alternatives to existing systems; and educating minorities and the disadvantaged: (1) "Growing Up Blighted: Reflections on the 'Secret Power' in the American Experience" (C. Burgess); (2) "The Evolving Political Structure of American…

A study was done to assess the likelihood of substantial improvement in New York City public education by the year 2000 by extrapolating trends in enrollment, demographic changes, and general fiscal patterns. The study also looked at trends among the at-risk population of New York City: those with special language and financial needs and those at…

Proceedings of a seminar on the developmental justification for British investment in English language teaching (ELT) as part of its overseas technical assistance program are presented in the form of papers presented, summaries of presentations, and case studies. The keynote address, "The Economic Benefits of English Language Teaching"…

This volume of an annual publication concerning issues relevant to Utah's two-year colleges provides the following articles by community college faculty on instructional issues and methods: (1) "Teaching Real-World Math Concepts in an Introductory Algebra Telecourse," by Loretta Palmer; (2) "Collaborative Learning in the Community…

Using a subsample of data relating to 4,668 first- and second-graders and their families from the 1991 National Household Education Survey, a study examined different ways of measuring whether a child is behind in grade and compared these measures with data about children who are below modal grade levels. Several profiles emerged. Children delayed…

"Political correctness" has recently been appropriated by organizations and individual advocates seeking to attack and focus negative media attention on reforms in higher education. This report documents both the facts and media distortions that have shaped almost a decade of campus debate on affirmative action, multicultural and…