Maintains that political socialization research was popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Contends that most psychologists today argue for a theory of development and education that focuses on the individual's construction of knowledge. Reviews research on learning and concept development. (CFR)

Examines three themes about the relationship among class origin, education, and class destination in 10 industrial nations. Finds that the patterns of association between class origin and education and between education and class destination are similar across the nations. Presents implications for the study of comparative macrosociology. (CFR)

Discussion of Romania's higher education looks at the crisis since 1989 and government strategies for revitalization, including expanded access, increases in social science enrollments, spontaneous establishment of private institutions, and the problems of limited resources. Comprehensive reform of the state's role in financing and governance is…

Reports on efforts to develop "Crossroads," a K-16 articulated, content-based, spiral curriculum in United States history. Discusses the historical framework underlying the curriculum. Presents the curriculum's 12-era chronology and 8 substantive themes. (CFR)

A study examined attitudes, cognitive and noncognitive experiences, and transfer-related behaviors of 277 nontraditional-age Hispanic students graduating from a community college. Measures were developed for family concerns, encouragement, social and academic integration, English skills, and educational and institutional commitments. Variables…

Compared the involvement of black males and females in delinquency and examined the explanatory value of variables drawn from three traditional theories of delinquency (social control, structural strain, and differential association) for understanding delinquency among blacks. Results show that only two variables, attachment to school and…

A study using structured interviews assessed views of 46 poor single-mother college students concerning factors in their academic success. The study identified four social support factors (support of other students, family, faculty, and university services) and four psychological belief factors (personal ambition, effort/discipline, prior…

This urban high school case study shows historical continuity with the processes used by teachers to stratify knowledge disseminated to Irish, Polish, and Black students. Although the goals and purposes of extracurricular activities have been standardized, there are intrascholastic differences in the types of knowledge that they transmit. (RLC)

Teaches a critical alternative social psychology about late-capitalist U.S. society. Using Inkeles's list of the traits of "modern man," students make their own historical analysis. Provides description of student projects, data collection and analysis, and findings. Offers alternative conceptual materials and explains their classroom…

Identifies six conditions influencing urban high school teachers to participate in and support schoolwide programs to improve learning and teaching through administrative, organizational, instructional change. Focus is on teachers in three Massachusetts schools. Reforms must address social and academic needs of students as well as teacher…

Reports on 29 veteran secondary social studies teachers' reactions and responses to the New Social Studies movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Results indicate the magnitude of the gulf that exists between the concerns of theorists and the issues that are important to teachers. (CFR)

Examines how the terms "child development knowledge" and "teacher preparation" have come to be understood in ways that place limits on how we think about children and the preparation of teachers. Illustrates some of the differences between modernism and postmodernism, then considers why a universal practice premised on a universal theory of…

Presents extensive empirical evidence with accompanying explanations concerning the drastic decline in both the quantity and quality of sociology students. Suggests the proliferation of business programs and the rise of conservative ideology as the main culprits. Reviews the American Sociological Association's recommendations for curriculum…

Encapsulates five brief reports on cutting edge issues in moral education research. Discusses strengths and weaknesses of different administrative approaches to creating a character education program. Addresses the inherent dichotomy between military service and democratic values. Considers issues of data verification and abuse of power. (MJP)

Maintains that economic pressure and military incursions supported by the United States have resulted in draconian cuts in special education services in Nicaragua. Prior to 1979, special education was extremely expensive. A UNICEF program, financed by the Swedish government, provides limited but effective support. (MJP)