Details how one urban middle school took an active stand against violence by establishing programs in student leadership, conflict resolution, peer mediation, and violence prevention. Highlights benefits, student participation and training, and several innovative alternatives to suspension and traditional school discipline measures of the program,…

This article explores the issue of ethical impact of conversation in the classroom, arguing that the experience of critical inquiry conducted through classroom dialog can cultivate precisely those ethical characteristics required of participants in the public life of a deliberative democracy. (SM)

Examines the phenomenon of language obsolescence by focusing on Breton- and non-Breton-speakers in France. Investigates linguistic preference, intergenerational transmission and attitudes towards language planning in an attempt to determine the extent to which the speakers themselves are catalysts in the process of language death. (27 references)…

Examined the effect over time of the use of sign language in a two-year period, including preschool and ending with kindergarten, on hearing children's language development. Found vocabulary gains, no evidence of memory decay over time, and positive evidence for inclusion of sign language instruction in early childhood education. (SD)

Research shows that distance learning (DL) works well for staff development. This article examines current DL technologies (satellite systems, interactive television, and computer-based interactive systems), noting issues to consider when using these technologies (audience characteristics, expectations, cost recovery, and interagency…

Provides an overview of computer networking resources available via the Internet to assist staff developers. After explaining how to get started on the Internet, the article describes electronic mail, the World Wide Web (the graphic part of the Internet), archives and databases, newsgroups, chatlines, the ERIC site, and virtual environments. (SM)

An interactive model of language intervention that targeted specific vocabulary was evaluated in a study of 16 mothers and their preschool children with language delays. Children in the experimental group used more target words and acquired more symbolic play gestures than those in the control group. Mothers in the experimental group reported a…

A survey of 111 campus recruiters of graduating students shows agreement that interviews are the most important selection method. Students' verbal communication skills, character, work experience, and academic performance were judged the most important personal characteristics in applicants. Work-related expectations and attitudes were the most…

Reports on the Wisconsin Elementary Health Education Pilot Project diffusion activities. Activity report logs from participating schools report diffusion data for 21 activities related to school culture/climate, staff development, and health curriculum/instruction. Results indicate that project schools have begun the diffusion process leading…

A study examining the educational experiences of Aboriginal students surveyed educators, service providers, and Indigenous residents in a rural South Australian Aboriginal community. Findings indicated a lack of cross-cultural communication. Recommendations revolve around equalizing power differentials between schools and community, and include…

Addresses the use of policy research in the social sciences and the dilemmas encountered by development agencies and researchers in communicating and making use of that research. Outlines twelve perspectives on improving research and policy linkages. Places these perspectives into three categories: (1) supply-side, (2) demand-led, and (3) policy…

Argues that a return to native language education has escalated the tensions and contradictions of the politics of bilingualism. Examines the events pertinent to the language shift from English as a medium of instruction to Chinese in Hong Kong. Emphasizes controversial issues, such as parental choice, antagonism of elite classes, and group…

When the Australian government's Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation terminated at the end of 2000, a people's foundation took up the work. A knowledge of Australian Aboriginal history would foster the respect necessary for reconciliation. Research can help by implementing emerging canons in which Aboriginal perspectives provide the framework…

Suggests that while language variation is widespread and natural, it is subject to judgment and that where a standard has developed other varieties are judged against the standard. Investigates how teachers judge the speech of school-aged students and what influences that judgment. Results show teachers' perceptions of speech were most strongly…

A college teacher describes his approach to student subject-area writing, which includes assignment of several short papers to be written according to carefully prescribed guidelines (appended to the article), clear grading criteria, high expectations, availability for individual conferences, rewards for improvement, encouragement of writing for…