This paper examines what researchers have learned from teachers about high quality instruction for poor second language learners. It begins by describing the Vygotskian notion of responsivity. Next, it describes specific practices and guidelines, focusing on: differentiating instruction; understanding teachers' responsibility for knowing about…

The overall theme of this proceedings, Teaching Tolerance for All: Education Strategies to Promote Global Peace, is discussed by addressing four main topics: (1) rethinking the school curriculum to teach the values of tolerance and peace; (2) empowering teachers and teacher educators to teach the values of tolerance and peace; (3) developing…

A literature review examined the potential impact of a multicultural applicant's nonverbal behavior (specifically, proxemics and kinesics) in a selection interview. Proxemics refers to the perception and use of personal and interpersonal space, which varies from culture to culture. The review indicated that in an interview situation, the chairs…

Part of a series designed to provide practical resources for transition personnel on a variety of topics essential to the process of preparing individuals with disabilities for adulthood, this guide focuses on assessment for transition planning. Chapter 1, "Transitions Assessment: What Do We Need To Know about Students and Why?," discusses the…

These two journal issues present articles on the following: "Understanding and Teaching American Cultural Thought through English Metaphors" (Carl Zhonggang Gao); "An Alternative Model for Novice-Level Elementary ESL Education" (Karen Duke, Ann Mabbott); "Wisconsin's Approach to Academic Assessment for Limited-English…

This guide provides introductory information on developmental and cultural issues that may affect evaluation of culturally and linguistically diverse children for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Although much of the information in this document may be useful for determining instruction and…

Describes efforts to implement an international program between the Montessori program at Xavier University and Korea and Taiwan. Describes eight challenges confronting the project: (1) communication; (2) class participation; (3) sharing culture with the American students; (4) transportation; (5) connection with others; (6) visas and immigration…

Describes a time-limited model for service delivery in kinship programs that provides a system of services to the child, biological parent, and relative caregiver as a union. The model utilizes a family preservation approach and focuses on permanency for the child within a cultural context. (Author/SD)

Examines the role of cultural background on children's education opportunities. Suggests that today's diverse, heterogeneous societies demand culturally responsive education practices and programs that can actively engage young learners and help them build upon their own sense of identity. Calls for the development of early childhood education…

Describes the experiences of a teacher participating in a summer workshop held by the Institute for Education That Is Multicultural. Increased parent participation and performance assessment were integral parts of a pilot project that resulted in improved achievement and parent and student attitudes in an urban school. (SLD)

Current teacher education programs do not provide appropriate knowledge for teaching minority students. The article focuses on American Indian students as an example. It discusses the value of using students' home language and culture at school, particularly in the early years, and stresses the value of responsive teaching methods. (SM)

Describes two minority educators' approaches to literacy teaching, discussing the literacy debate and cultural relevance. The article examines common threads that make the educators' pedagogy appropriate for teaching African-American students successfully. The article examines how and why teachers of African-American students achieve success. (SM)

Considers how multicultural art education should be approached in the classroom. Uses African art to help distinguish between appreciating art from different cultures and understanding cultural contexts. Discusses benefits and shortcomings of five multicultural approaches. Shows how the NAMES project (AIDS Memorial Quilt) could be used in the…

An overview of educational policies toward language-minority students from 1960 to the present indicates how often they have been ignored. The new national standards movement, America 2000, is no exception. The effects that this initiative might have on the education of language-minority students are explored. (SLD)

Twenty-seven teachers from two urban high schools talk about communicating with English-as-a-Second-Language minority students and their parents. The focus is on student, parent, and school characteristics with respect to intercultural communication and on the needs of each group to develop communication skills and cultural sensitivity. (SLD)