Maintains that the number of immigrants from India to the United States has risen dramatically. Asserts that the cultural gap between the immigrant parents and their children is largely the result of their school experiences. Contends that it is important that teachers understand the effects of the educational system on students from other…

This article addresses the needs of students infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, infection control precautions, and recommendations for personnel and policy development necessary to create a safe educational environment. The article contends that thoughtful, well-implemented policy decisions on the part of local education agencies can make…

Discusses rape issues and contends that education about it should be provided at all grade levels. Presents a lesson in which students distinguish between facts and myths of rape and identify situations in which the legal definition of rape is met. (CFR)

Examined differences in children's perceptions of school tasks. Found that even kindergarten children are able to understand the learning purpose of tasks if teachers include that information in their lesson presentations. Results suggest that in order to motivate children's learning, teachers should emphasize the learning aspects of tasks, and…

Examines the relationship between student background, racial congruency, and college-level factors affecting academic performance of black male college students in predominately white compared to predominately black colleges. Questionnaire responses from 742 students demonstrate the differential effect of each of the 3 components and suggest a…

A study in which nonscience professors and graduate students took introductory physics and chemistry courses and found that what makes science unappealing or difficult for some is not subject matter or lack of student preparedness but the way science is packaged. Problems with curriculum design, testing, grading, classroom climate, presentation,…

This article reviews the literature on the development of literacy, showing literacy beginnings in the infant and young child within a literate family community, literacy development in a literate school community, and literacy specialization in a teacher education community. The literature is applied to preparation of teachers of students with…

Indiana school district saw need to improve elementary students' achievement test scores and made commitment to change culture to ensure that all students learn well. Staff, parents, community, and students were introduced to school improvement effort based on effective schools research. Efforts show significant academic improvements in Indiana…

Studied whether school culture is represented in common aspects within schools in different countries for one deaf child in Barcelona (Spain), one refugee child in Paris (France), and some of their classmates. Identical characteristics of student interactions found in both schools, and the importance of these interactions are discussed. (SLD)

Four articles in this special section discuss (1) ideas for making discipline a positive experience for child care staff and children (Karen Stephens); (2) scenarios illustrating the power of adult messages to children (Karen Stephens); (3) classroom environments that facilitate positive discipline (Marjorie K. Kostelnik); and (4) strategies for…

The professional development school (PDS) movement may reflect a paradigm shift in clinical teacher education. By altering power and role relationships in preservice practicums, PDSs provide a way of overcoming conceptual and structural obstacles to student teacher learning in practicums. (IAH)

Describes and explains the rationale behind efforts to include children with special needs in the school community by helping to promote ordinary interactions between children with disabilities and those without. Offers information on several programs such as "Crazy Shoes and Circus Feats," a comic routine for school children. (JB)

Examines the use of mediation skills in elementary and secondary education. Discusses the rise in school violence; and describes mediation techniques, the rationale for their use, school programs to introduce mediation, peer mediators, and long-term benefits to students and the school community. Offers resources. (JB)

Discussion of the possibilities that information technology and mass media offer to learning environments focuses on small linguistic societies, especially Iceland. The role of schools is examined, characteristics of information technology in schools are described, teaching the mother tongue is discussed, and future possibilities are suggested.…

Discusses ergonomic design considerations for library media centers. Specific design variables, including temperature and humidity, noise, illumination, color, and windows are discussed; and computer workstation design requirements are presented that address furniture and keyboard design, monitor and display features, software issues, and…