As part of a quality initiative, the Minnesota State University System identified as a major goal the cultivation of "capacity for critical thinking" and a culturally inclusive syllabus. St. Cloud State University issued a call for curriculum proposals, resulting in 29 proposals from 22 departments, some representing significant…

Describes the budget models and guidelines of the schools in the Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan, which are designed to provide consistency among the schools and to enable the schools to operate on sound business principles. Discusses the process' key components: policy development, budget calendar implementation, and budget preparation. (AJL)

Describes Native American voting campaigns in Montana and efforts by Native Action, a non-profit advocacy group, to increase voter registration, voter turnout, and voter education among Indians. Argues that the numbers of Indian voters are increasing, but that there is still a need for more Indian candidates. Highlights the need for voter…

Reviews the development of European Union's early childhood social policy agenda over the last 15 years, examining what part of the agenda addresses early years issues and what problems the EU should focus on. Raises questions that require attention and makes a series of suggestions as to what a distinctive European approach for early year…

Compares the author's preservice work in second language learning 30 years ago to that undertaken by her students now. Notes that the goal of this education is to inspire in each student a love and respect for language teaching. Reflects on the adaptation of traditional approaches to language teacher education to the needs of preservice students…

Presents five strategies used by child-care center directors when teachers' personal stress affects their job performance. Notes that most directors identify irritability with children and coworkers as a sign of stress. Their most common strategy is to recommend community resources to staff for counseling and help with problems. (Author/KB)

Examines the effectiveness of a family-based environmental education program in lowering young children's exposure to lead and whether a lead-lowering intervention is associated with changes in behavioral functioning. Results suggest that lead exposure degrades behavioral performance in young children and that family-based environmental education…

Describes the development of the multimedia curriculum at the University of the Arts (Pennsylvania). Highlights include degrees offered; the new multimedia lab, including both Macintosh and PC computers; an emphasis on collaboration and interdisciplinary knowledge; and preparing students for change. (LRW)

Examines the role of English worldwide and introduces paradigms: a "diffusion-of-English paradigm" and an "ecology-of-language paradigm." Discussion of the two paradigms in light of recent tendencies within the European Union, the postcommunist states, and the international arena emphasizes the alliance between language…

Examines the focus of current English language programs for immigrants to Australia. It is noted that the most sweeping policy and curriculum changes were those emerging in the early 1990s and that a major element, in addition to a changed funding base and focus on migration settlement only, was the introduction of accredited competency-based…

Discusses reasons for the current popularity of learning English as a Second Language (ESL) in the Ukraine, focusing on why English teaching and learning has failed in state-owned educational institutions and on alternative forms of ESL teaching and learning. (CK)

Reform of the university is discussed taking the perspective that advances in information technology will have a substantial effect on the university system. It is suggested that within 20 years, the traditional university will become an anachronism, supplanted by a unified system of information exchange. The New Zealand context is emphasized.…

Discusses the increasing adoption of the learning community ideal among community colleges, describing the leaders and organizations who have contributed to this movement. Reviews five indicators of a learning community: effective learning, professional development plans for every employee, constant reevaluation of missions and values,…

This paper argues that infusion of technology into higher education is the key to its future, particularly that of metropolitan universities, and is a metaphor for broader issues of educational change. Ways to involve faculty in understanding those changes, and to capitalize on information age technology to transform learning and thus the role of…

Common criticisms of the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) are outlined, and its predictive ability is discussed. Persistence in its widespread use for college entrance is also examined briefly. Arguments for achievement tests as an alternative are explored. It is concluded that alternatives are likely to be equally controversial, and that…