The Step by Step Program is a model developed for countries struggling to make the transition to democratic societies in a period marked by enthusiasm for educational reform. The goal of the associated programs is educating a new participatory citizenry, beginning with children. Growth of programs across the world has resulted in a nongovernmental…

An elementary special education teacher describes her research on program decision making for students with learning disabilities. The research highlights the need to consider all factors that may impact decisions and identifies three characteristics of decisions that, when present, contribute to teachers' confidence that the decision made is…

Charges that the National Agenda for Achieving Better Outcomes for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance is so general and all encompassing that it is an inadequate guide for action, and urges a clearer direction. Commentaries are offered on following articles in the issue that address the agenda's seven targets. (Author/CR)

Efforts to internationalize the business curriculum in the United States must be supported by strong institutional commitment and implementation, and reflect the world business community and the country's multicultural business environment. Programs should conform to new accreditation standards and respond to client demand concerning emerging…

In order to build programs that embrace social and cultural diversity, educators must understand the perspectives of people of color and how agencies unwittingly create systematic barriers to program access through stigmatization and marginalization. Identifies strategies that decrease the stigmatizing process and foster greater accessibility of…

This article describes Widgets, computer-based learning tools designed to meet the instructional need for computer-based flexible tools that can be used across ability levels. It discusses development of three Widgets for students with mild disabilities: a multiplication with sets Widget, a number sense Widget, and a dollars and cents Widget.…

Because of declining participation, the National Health Service Corps' role in improving rural access to primary health care has shifted from placement of scholarship-obligated professionals to recruitment of volunteers and increased emphasis on retention of current providers. Successful care systems include group practices, community-oriented…

Provides guidelines that will help educators take a leadership role when they work with community leaders to plan for community-wide efforts to provide families with high-quality school-age child care services. (BB)

Describes the Chemical Education for Public Understanding Project (CEPUP) at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley, California. Discusses the development, goals, resources, modules, networks, and outreach activities of the project. Emphasizes the need for community outreach programs to help increase awareness of career opportunities in science…

A family-focused approach to schools and community service requires acknowledging the central role families play in children's well-being, shifting the roles of service institutions to reflect this, and creating community supports that assist families. Implementing this approach requires time for understanding and partnership. (SLD)

Suggests ways to desegregate education programs for the gifted and to redress inequities in gifted education. The usefulness of contemporary definitions of giftedness, theories of intelligence, and assessment practices in identifying gifted students are discussed. Retaining African Americans in gifted programs is also considered. (SLD)

Profiles individual projects in six school districts across the country participating in the School-Community Connection initiative funded by the Institute for Responsive Education. These projects focus on school improvement through partnerships among schools, parents, and the community. Rural and urban elementary and secondary schools are…

Organizing a committed team to foster effective school-community partnerships is discussed, focusing on the critical role of leadership. Collaborative leadership, comprised of diverse members and different perspectives, is most successful. A list of qualities and skills that are necessary for collaborative leaders is provided. (LAJ)

Describes an interdisciplinary transition model currently used in rural Wisconsin for special needs students that links vocational assessment, Individualized Education Plan development, program placement, instructional support, exit transition conferences, and postschool followup. Stresses collaboration among students, parents, educators, and…

A primary care preceptorship was successfully incorporated into the University of Michigan medical school's third-year curriculum. Key components included agreement across primary care specialties on goals and objectives, involvement of community practitioners, frequent communication with preceptors, active feedback to preceptors, and thorough…