Finds first-grade boys whose teachers believed that boys are as successful as girls in beginning literacy scored approximately the same as girls on the Stanford Achievement Test, while first-grade boys whose teachers believed that boys are less successful than girls scored considerably lower than girls. Discusses how teachers' expectations or…

Discusses the importance of assessing student physical-education achievement related to their ability to demonstrate responsible personal and social behavior in physical-activity settings and demonstrate understanding and respect for differences among people in physical-activity settings. Notes how to measure student understanding and use of these…

Summarizes approaches identified in recent research that were used in schools in the United Kingdom that were effective in educating minority students. These effective schools were characterized by strong leadership, shared vision and goals, school organization, and high expectations for students. Treating students with dignity and respect was…

Summarizes arguments about student consumerism and postmodernity made by Delucchi (Michael) and Smith (William L.)(1997), and suggests some implications for higher education not considered by those authors. Discusses faculty responsibility for the rise of consumerist attitudes toward education, control of knowledge by higher education, and…

Uses data from pilot year of Pre-school Education Initiative in Scotland to look at the impact of government-introduced voucher system intended to expand preschool provision. Identifies four changes in provision and for the culture: playroom activities, expectations for purpose/outcomes of program, parental roles, and requirements for quality…

Delineates factors which facilitate or impede the relationship between classroom practices and teachers' understanding of the nature of science. Finds that teachers' conceptions of science do not necessarily influence classroom practice, though teachers' level of experience, intentions and perceptions of students were critically influential on…

Presents teacher and student responses that show a privileging of girls' writing over boys' writing. Finds that girls' writing was viewed as more detailed, descriptive, and showing greater conformity to writing conventions. Indicates a need for conversations that question an emphasis on conformity in writing and that explore ways to nurture…

Although postsecondary participation has soared during the past quarter century, the proportion of college students completing degrees has remained flat. White and higher-income kids graduate at much higher rates than their less advantaged classmates. Public policy's challenge is expanding successful intervention programs to a vastly larger scale.…

This introductory article describes following articles that address issues of ethics, power, and privilege within the context of educating African American learners with disabilities and those who are gifted and talented, and the path educators can follow in order to incorporate properly these perspectives into their practice and research. (CR)

Advocates using the first day of physics class to discuss some unique aspects of the discipline and the course. Lists examples of appropriate discussion topics. (WRM)

Strategies for curbing disruptions in the classroom include setting expectations, naming and defining behaviors students must learn, modeling appropriate and alternative behavior, setting up routines showing that self-control is important, settling on predictable consequences for blurting out, having children start over if communication breaks…

Contrasts experiences of two children during the first week of kindergarten to illustrate the importance of the classroom environment for inviting children to become full participants in the learning process. (KB)

Examines the effects of social and educational environment, degree of acculturation, and exposure to diversity in college on the dating behavior and attitudes of young Vietnamese Americans. Responses of 18 college students show that differing degrees of acculturation affect attitudes about individuality and cultural tradition, especially attitudes…

Results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) illustrate the urgency of strengthening mathematics education. School leaders can determine whether more of Title I funds should be shifted to mathematics programs. Title I can be a key resource for raising expectations for students, professional development, and the use of…

Examines the most common constraints preservice teachers perceive about teaching science, the locus of control for these constraints, and strategies for overcoming the five most common constraints so that teachers can resolve feelings of powerlessness. Constraints include time allotted, financial resources, curriculum standards, peer pressure to…