In this special section, 6 articles address the provocative question of how to determine the boundary between difference and deficiency, for children who differ from the mainstream in some way--language, hearing, cultural background, socioeconomic status, or social understanding. Our commentary considers these articles in light of current models…

To dispel confusion, White racial identity and White racial consciousness are described and contrasted in terms of theoretical conceptualization and measures used. It is recommended that priority be given to the validation of existing or new measurement instruments to provide a sound basis for future findings. (Author)

Extrapolating from current developmental theory and using practice-to-theory/theory-to-practice methods, the authors propose a framework for individual diversity development among faculty, staff, and students. The model offers individuals in-depth cognitive, affective and behavioral frameworks of development toward consciously valuing complex and…

The eight papers in the report are tied together by the theme of pluralism and social change in an attempt to determine information needs in the area of inservice teacher education (ISTE) and to identify the contemporary issues surrounding ISTE. The first three papers describe case studies of substantial efforts in inservice education: a…

Most identity development models are unidimensional and mutually independent. They rarely acknowledge multiple cultural identifications or their relationship to diversity-awareness training. This article discusses this relationship in a four-stage conceptual model for diversity identity development and its implications for the design, structuring,…

Major cultural differences impeded the smooth transfer of a 14 day management education program, which had been very successfully used in Western settings, to an Asian situation. Thirteen Chinese and two Caucasians, all of whom worked in Southeast Asia and had management degrees, attended the program to improve their skills in influencing those…

Presents a solution-focused treatment model that incorporates macro and micro views of ethnic differences and similarities. It is argued that not all clients from the same ethnic group experience life in similar ways. Use of the model is explored through a discussion of the treatment of Asian-American clients. (SLD)

The equalization of educational opportunity, the achievement of a greater degree of equity, is a central concern of educators today. The way in which this concern is conceptualized can have a great influence on the extent to which the concern is translated into programs, and on the way programs ultimately address the problem that gave rise to the…