Currently, 5-to 10% of beginning students do not speak English. It is time to end the bilingual education versus English-only debate and explore how improved instructional strategies can improve either approach. Promising strategies include instructional time extension, cooperative learning, peer tutoring, and California's newcomer programs. The…

A University of Maryland at College Park faculty member describes the recent retrenchment process, focusing on the role of the faculty senate and the academic planning advisory committee in decision making. The administration is credited with conducting an open and decisive process. (MSE)

This study examined the status of local gifted education programs in 19 states and reasons attributed by 1,579 educators for the status of the programs. Programs in states with gifted education mandates and good economic health were intact and expanded, while programs in states without mandates or in poor economic health were threatened. (SW)

The good news about U.S. schools (improved Scholastic Aptitude Test scores and international achievement rankings) continues to be ignored, while the bad news about the nation's real problems (crushing poverty, crumbling cities, and a faltering economy) worsens. A system that formerly functioned as a sorting machine is now expected to optimize all…

School districts dependent on outside resources must develop skills for securing educational resources, including competencies in collaborative, creative, and principled resource management. Constructive negotiations between local and provincial levels of government can improve relationships and support the development of collaborative…

England's National Health Service is described and the perceived training needs for professional medical and dental staff are outlined. The organization of a typical large medical school and its relationship with two teaching hospitals is outlined. Problems are examined, and the possible impact of proposed government policy changes is discussed.…

Describes the role of the World Bank in supporting educational improvement in developing nations since 1963. Assesses the impact of programs in curriculum development, teacher training, and nonformal education and training. Concludes with five lessons that are recommended to guide future World Bank funding. (CFR)

Describes efforts of an advocacy group of parents, outdoor educators, and classroom teachers to preserve outdoor education in Peel in the face of budget cuts. Despite efforts, a task force recommended the elimination of numerous teaching positions, resulting in reduced programming at outdoor education centers. (LP)

Describes how staff at an outdoor education center responded to budget cuts and the threat of program cancellation by encouraging outside use of the center for a fee, and by developing a partnership with the Demonstration Forest Program, resulting in improvement to nature trails and the reinstatement of day-trip programs. (LP)

Examines recurrent problems within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and provides recommended changes. Problems addressed involve the lack of governmental support for low-income housing and urban aid necessitating primary reliance upon the private sector and HUD organizational problems. The adoption of progressive housing…

Argues that the traditional definition of the collegiate ideal is inappropriate for vocational community-college students and that a more realistic portrayal of students and their programs is needed, taking into consideration the reality of fiscal constraints. "Contract education" and partnerships between colleges and industry can help students…

South Africa's black universities face declining interest among black students, who now have more options than under apartheid. The crisis comes as South Africa considers ways to restructure its postsecondary-education system to cut costs and avoid duplication. While black enrollments are rising at other institutions, the numbers of all students…

States that lack of resources in math and science education is forcing faculty to seek external grants. Asserts that such fundraising efforts consume time and energy, and often detract from the teaching, community-service, and other nurturing missions of the college. Suggests that administrators acknowledge the changing role of teachers and offer…

Assesses the social and environmental problems of 132 patients seen in a primary care clinic at a university-affiliated Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center. Prevalent social problems included financial difficulties, personal stress, family problems, legal concerns, and employment concerns. Findings suggest a clear need for social work…

A study of 62 adolescent girls and their recently divorced mothers examined the relationship between maternal disclosure of financial concerns and difficulties in adolescent daughters' adjustment. Findings revealed a positive direct relationship between family financial hardship and girls' psychological distress, and that financial hardship was…