The effectiveness of the Americans with Disabilities Act has been limited because its definition of disability is open ended and other terms such as reasonable accommodation are vague. The courts must settle test cases before it will be known if the law is meeting its goal. (SK)

Offers a dialog between two writers, showing the mutual struggle with writing issues, many of them distinct to women, concerning such things as bodies, definitions of revision, and exploring purpose. (TB)

Defines postmodernism and explores underlying philosophic assumptions. Ponders the usefulness of postmodern considerations for educational administration. Examines implications of postmodern thought for educational practitioners, highlighting "harmonious" practices such as reflection, conversation, affirmation, invitation, and commitment…

Discusses the conceptual status and uses of ethnic groups in developmental psychology. Discusses problems with the primordialist position and the influence of nationalism in defining culture. Argues that culture and ethnicity as shared and located within a bounded population is an increasingly outmoded notion. Maintains that developmental…

Investigates Aristotle's metaphorical definitions of rhetoric in book 1 of his "Rhetoric," using his own theory of metaphor as a measure of his practice in these definitions. Indicates that Aristotle's practice in the situation does not match his theory, a circumstance that has consequences for one's reading of the "Rhetoric."…

Outlines a few items of "unfinished business" in the profession of evaluation, focusing on outcome evaluation, also called impact evaluation. No issue related to the future of evaluation seems more important than that of finding routine methods to assess the impact of everyday practical programs on the social conditions they address.…

Explores issues surrounding community-based literacy research. Suggests that, although well intentioned, literacy researchers risk overdetermining, essentializing, and romanticizing what it means to engage in community-based literacy if they do not define and question what is meant by community. Examines various definitions of community and argues…

Addresses the questions of how literacy is defined, by whom, and for what purposes, using critical literacy as a lens of analysis. Considers the "normative assumptions" that are present within the language arts curriculum. Suggests that any methodological approach to what it means to be a "literate" person is based on an…

Explores whether the fiscal section of this National Center for Education Statistics survey duplicated any data collected by the Office of Library Programs and how selected definitions in the fiscal section should be revised to address problematic responses to certain items. (Author)

Examines differing concepts and definitions of lifelong education, contrasting a maximalist position with a pragmatic problem-solving approach. Identifies the complex interplay among three purposes--economic development, personal development, and social inclusion, and suggests that all three contribute to development of a highly skilled work force…

Content analysis of nursing articles revealed that 184 used primary health care in a manner consistent with the World Health Organization definition; 70 did not. Curricular applications of these different interpretations could lead to different learning environments for nursing education and thus affect nursing practice. (SK)

Presents responses of 5 scholar/educators to the question of how literacy will be defined. Discusses societal changes that will impact the definition of literacy; judging credibility of sources; the claim that definitions will become more standardized; a historical view of literacy that includes the complexities of technology; and defining…

Responds to John Wilson's article "Philosophy and Education Research: A Reply to David Bridges et al." Discusses three observations: (1) different recollections of the pretensions attached to conceptual analysis; (2) the supposition of establishing meaning of a word without a theory of meaning; and (3) rhetorical and persuasive functions…

This article presents a brief review of some new school science reference works. Two of the sources are traditional, while one is considered experimental. The two traditional reference works reviewed are "The American Heritage Children's Science Dictionary" for upper elementary grades, and "The American Heritage Student Science Dictionary" for…

The field of rhetoric has generated studies of definitional disputes and of the relationship between definition and power. Informed by the idea of collective definition created over time, these studies raise an important theoretical-practical question about definition and contestation that may be approached through a concept of authority.…