Argues that education must include nurturing the student's spirit in order to educate the student for a democratic life. Why such an education is difficult to provide, the challenges faced in providing it, and the contributions research has made are discussed. Further discussed is an agenda for research, practice, and policy, and some important…

Examines philosophical, theoretical, and practical issues related to multicultural education for the dominant culture. Multicultural self-development is posited as an essential aspect of equity education for dominant-culture students. The developmental process is examined in detail. Implications for practice are addressed, including student…

Argues that Canadian schools of education must address social justice issues of ethnicity, culture, and racism; model equitable practices in teacher education programs; and promote equity for all students in public schools. Reviews current debate on multicultural and antiracist education, challenges in pursuing equity in education, and promising…

A New American High School, David Douglas High School (Portland, Oregon), has a mentor program for freshmen and sophomores, who take career interest inventory tests and research career areas through job shadowing experiences. Juniors and seniors participate in work-based experiences, prepare portfolios, and take personal enrichment courses. All…

A study of 293 students from one graded and one nongraded elementary school found that primary and intermediate students in the ungraded school performed better in reading and math, and language and spelling, respectively. A second study of 134 students from two graded and two ungraded elementary schools found higher social skills in the nongraded…

Direct observational data on 17 general educators and on eight matched pairs of middle school students with and without behavior disorders (BD) was collected. Teachers' use of student-centered practices versus teacher-directed classroom management practices was associated with positive and task-appropriate student behavior, but only for students…

This case study examined changes in a fifth-grade mathematics classroom in Hong Kong when a video-based story involving mathematics problem solving was introduced. Findings suggest that new technologies not compatible with existing practice may lead to intense reflections about which aspects of the individuals, their environment, and the new…

This article gives an overview of special education legislation in India and focuses on the success of one school in meeting the needs of students with moderate to profound mental retardation through an integrated approach. The school has created two cooperative business enterprises with donations and parent involvement. (Contains 8 references.)…

Presents the responses of six of the leaders in developmental education to questions about the future of the field. Their responses point to three main trends: mainstreaming the developmental courses into college-level, graduation-credit programs; removal of developmental education from four-year institutions; and increased professionalism of…

Defines and documents the interplay between indigenous folk knowledge and modern (western) curriculum practice in African schools. Raises questions of cultural identity. Explores the definition of indigenous knowledge, examines dilemmas that undermine efforts to integrate indigenous education in formal school curriculum, and outlines the rationale…

Describes Sudbury Valley School (Framingham, Massachusetts), established in 1965 as an alternative to public education. Discusses the educational philosophy of the democratic school, which stresses the importance of children being free and learning how to govern themselves; daily activities at the school; and how the school has achieved fiscal as…

Debra Eckerman's response to the author's May 1998 "Kappan" article shows she sincerely, but mistakenly believes that the Minnesota standards-based reform movement will raise academic expectations for all students by attempting to control educational outcomes. Teachers should jettison their complacency to improve professionalism and…

A case study of an alternative middle school for at-risk students indicates that small, under-resourced schools cannot be expected to successfully serve students who have been rejected by the mainstream school system. Small alternative schools providing small class sizes and extra support for students require more, not less, funding. Commitment…

One of the most influential experiences in the author's development as an educational leadership professor has been the opportunity to work with educators outside the United States. His international experiences have caused him to observe distinct and subtle differences between leadership education in the United States and other countries. The…

The purpose of this study was twofold. One purpose was to identify the locally negotiated literate practices that defined ways of communicating information and knowledge across the curriculum in a fourth/fifth grade classroom. Through an ethnographic and sociolinguistic set of analyses, this investigation illustrated how the teacher worked to…