The background purposes, organization, and results of the first conference on children and youth in the Amazon region of Ecuador are described. Special considerations of the Amazon region are reviewed, particularly the exchange of perspectives across cultures and generations. Concludes with subsequent developments of a national environmental…

Describes the general characteristics of family support programs in North America. Summarizes the rationale for such programs. Describes an example of a support program, the family resource centers in Canada. Outlines such key planning considerations as the diversity of today's families, needs assessment, program variety, and cultural relevance.…

The Coimbra Early Intervention Project was undertaken in Portugal to develop the first coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency program involving health care, education, and social service, using existing resources in the community. The program now operates regionwide and supports more than 100 families and children with disabilities or at…

A collaborative research program in auger spectroscopy at the University of Liverpool (England) involved scientists from 12 universities and research groups in 5 European countries and financed with international funds is described. The experience of the collaborators suggests how similar projects might be initiated and managed. (Author/MSE)

The paper contrasts the traditional model of referral for rehabilitation services for blind and visually impaired persons in Israel with a new model--the rehabilitation information station, which links administrative, social, medical, and functional rehabilitation and results in faster receipt of services and increased ophthalmologists' awareness…

The article traces the experiences of the Malaysian Association for the Blind in developing rehabilitation services for rural blind persons. It explains the rationale for a community-based approach to rehabilitation and concludes that center-based and community-based approaches to rehabilitation complement each other in bringing services to rural…

Presents some observations from both mentors and proteges involved in a formal mentoring program at the National Institute of Education in Singapore. Data showed that the mentor/protege relationship is best initiated in an informal environment, thrives on clearly communicated expectations, moves through developmental and interpersonal stages, and…

A program evaluation was conducted to provide formative information for improving the Ontario (Canada) Course Teacher In-Service program. Data were collected through 683 teacher-completed questionnaires, focus groups, and document reviews. Twenty-five recommendations were constructed for development and redesign of a similar program. (SLD)

The Improving the Quality for All project in England and the Manitoba School Improvement Program in Canada have demonstrated considerable success in working with schools. This article traces both programs' development, analyzes their different approaches, and reveals commonalities. Both programs encourage teacher collaboration and foster…

Describes the fifth Dublin Core (DC Workshop) DC is a small set of simple, descriptive data elements intended to aid in the discovery of Internet resources. Covers metadata issues, "DC Lite," current international projects utilizing the Core, and issues yet to be resolved. (AEF)

Explores the educational applications and potential of using multilingual word-processing in primary schools and offers solutions to technical difficulties. It provides tips on software selection, training, and introducing the program to parents and pupils. (GR)

Ongoing research supports planning and development of an interpretive center based on Umeewarra Mission in South Australia. From the 1930s on, the mission housed Aboriginal children, many of whom had been removed from their families. Researchers must be culturally sensitive to Aboriginal and missionary cultures, playing both supportive and…

This article describes a university program in China for teenage students highly gifted in science. It reports on the program's initiation, improvement, and expansion to 12 additional universities. Also covered are methods employed in student selection, the curriculum, program administration, and student development. (Author/DB)

Comprehensive Health and Guidance initiatives highlight the need for increased involvement of various stakeholder groups in identifying and meeting the emotional, social, academic, and physical needs of children and adolescents. Active involvement of students, in particular, fosters personal and collective empowerment and ensures that the programs…

Describes an English for specific purposes (ESP) teacher training and development program that has been underway for the past 15 years in Cuba.(Author/VWL)