Discusses the importance of television in history and citizenship education in Soviet schools. Describes studies dealing with the effects of mass communications media on the educational process. Urges the integration of subject matter conveyed to students via television with that acquired in the classroom to foster development of theoretical…

Distinguishes weak forms of critical thinking (restricted to logical thinking) from strong forms of critical pedagogy (incorporating a moral component into critical thinking). Sees evidence of weak forms in the 1987 California History-Social Science Framework. Contends that social studies must be interdisciplinary, global in perspective,…

Advocates teaching computer literacy and ethical behavior in allocation of computers in the schools. Suggests that, if citizens are computer illiterate, technology can threaten a democracy by allowing elite groups to manipulate information. Observes that computer education is available more often to privileged groups that perpetuates the status…

Examples from a multiyear project in a Los Angeles (California) school in a low-income Hispanic school district illustrate successes of a program to improve the early reading achievement of Spanish-speaking primary school children. The interplay of research, practice, and school improvement resulted in significant improvement in early Spanish…

Student responses to Canadian realistic fiction for young adults were examined for four seventh grade girls and three seventh grade boys. Interview findings support the view that students should have a role in selecting what they read, should talk about reading informally, and should construct representations less influenced by teacher responses.…

Describes a kit containing mathematical enrichment activities and activity evaluation sheets that kindergarten students can complete at home. Thirteen sample activities involving weather, pattern recognition, counting, money, estimation, observation skills, weight, temperature, measurement, and time are included. Suggestions for utilization, care,…

Recent changes in New Zealand educational administration are empowering parents to seek integration into mainstream classrooms for their children with disabilities. These changes include an emerging economic model of schools, the establishment of the right of all children to education in state schools, and recognition of the rights of Maori…

An interagency team approach to planning and implementing successful school-to-work programs for students with disabilities is recommended. Roles of special educators, vocational rehabilitators, vocational educators, parents, and students are identified. Specific ways to counter such local obstacles as lack of transportation, lack of funding, and…

Asserts that political attitudes and beliefs affect curriculum development and selection of instructional materials. Describes a Women in Literature course in which students participate in the selection of books and other reading materials. Discusses the process the students used, nonparticipatory students, and issues of personal biases. (CFR)

Explores the views and perspectives of seven African-American urban elementary and secondary school teachers on school restructuring efforts underway in their schools. Teachers exhibit patterns of involvement that characterize them as cynical dissenters, coincidental cooperators, or committed advocates. Experienced teachers are the most skeptical…

Describes instructional materials developed by the Close Up Foundation for use in its various programs. Asserts that the books, videotapes, and simulations meet student and teacher needs for relevant, high-interest, instructional materials. Concludes with a description of the development process used by the foundation. (CFR)

Proposes to discover what "at risk" students and their teacher could do to bring meaning and life to a basic-track English curriculum. Relates findings that support the view that it is the quality of students' literary experiences, not their tracking placement, that influences the efficacy of these experiences. (DSK)

The challenge with mixed-ability groups is satisfying both equity and excellence. A Colorado school district pursued differentiation by ensuring that the board, central office, and principals understood the need to provide informed leadership, differentiated teaching models, and training for transfer. Sidebars list resources and advice for…

Describes success of an academic booster club as a rural middle school strategy to improve student test scores, attendance, grades, community perceptions of the school, and student behavior. Notes how during two years the club raised over $20,000 and fostered improvements in average daily attendance, achievement test scores, honor roll…

Explored images that young children construct of literacy in their lives, both inside and outside of school. Analysis of the drawings of 48 children in grades 1-3 revealed a shift in the children's images of themselves in relation to literacy with each grade level. The influence of home and family on literacy behaviors was also noted. (Author/TJQ)