This guide is the third of four intended to help persons involved in planning new schools, new programs, or other comprehensive change projects. The materials consist of readings to be done individually and exercises to be done individually and/or with a group. Guide 3 looks at the political side of planning new schools by examining the interface…

Education in Malaysia is discussed in terms of administration, structure, objectives, finances, and problems to be solved. Administration is the responsibility of the federal Ministry of Education in cooperation with individual state directors of education. Formal schooling consists of six years of primary, three years of lower secondary, two…

This paper explores educational philosophy and its effect on children's development in the People's Republic of China. The Chinese educational system incorporates heterogeneous classrooms and opportunities to "serve the people" through meaningful, productive work in order to foster a perception of group membership among students. The…

This book focuses on a position contrary to the melting pot theory: namely, that group identity persists in America today. Discussed are the nature of ethnicity, the origins of various ethnic groups, the assimilation rate of ethnic groups, competition between ethnic groups, group differences, and the future of ethnic groups. The author…

Questions of group identity, power, and organization are being increasingly recognized as crucial for an understanding of the American scene. Very little attention has been given to Italo-Americans in social science literature, perhaps because of cultural and linguistic barriers to research on their adjustment in this society. Four main sections…

Ethnographic study of north-central Illinois agricultural county compares entrepreneurial and yeoman farm families and concludes that management strategies reflecting goals and values of these types of families affect susceptibility to financial crisis. Yeoman financial conservatism, family cooperation, modest farm goals, and behavior correlated…

A study at Crowder College (Missouri) found that clustering within majors may prove helpful in evaluating and implementing long-range planning for student retention and academic success. The study, which included nursing, athletics, and Environmental Resource Center (ERC) students, identified factors aiding academic success: demonstrative goals,…

Summarizes E. D. Hirsch's book, "Cultural Literacy," focusing on four separate arguments. Compares U.S. and Canadian education and society, particularly in relationship to multiculturalism and bilingualism. Concludes that Hirsch trivializes culture by presenting as no more than a common convention of effective national communication.…

Presents a model of conjoint group treatment for sex offenders and survivors with an emphasis on gender-related issues. Included here are group goals, procedures, and the roles of group leaders. Case examples are offered to clarify the effect of the group on the participants. (RJM)

Examines the various frames within which debates, discussions, and dialogs occurred at a major midwestern university, concerning the disbandment of one of its departments. Stresses the importance of building a unified vision in the context of the common good. Contains 34 references. (JDI)

Results of a study which examined the impact of the Lebanese civil war on the ethnic orientation of Armenians in Lebanon are presented. A brief historical overview of the presence of Armenians in Lebanon is given first, focusing on the evolution of Armenian-Arab relations. A theoretical framework is then provided to guide the discussion of the…

In an attempt to correlate effective school practices with actual observed student achievement, a survey instrument concerning principal leadership and school climate was distributed to classroom teachers in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. Responses by more than half of the teachers yielded 1,294 usable questionnaires representing all 94 schools…

One of the challenges that faces business and education leaders today is creating an environment in their workplaces and classrooms that is conducive to the "New Realities of Learning." Social capital is a third asset that should be added to the list of key competitive advantages that includes knowledge and human capital. Social capital…

Examines the various reasons for the rise of Botswana, from one of the poorest countries in the world circa 1966, to its current position of relative prosperity. A prime ingredient in this progress was the incorporation of external aid into a stable system defined by a cohesive ethnic identity. (MJP)

Maintains that, from very different points on the ideological spectrum, citizenship and citizenship education have been added to the political agenda. Argues that political theory, distinct from descriptive civics, is more relevant to the political development of citizens. (CFR)