Asserts that societal trends make it essential that educators succeed in developing effective multicultural education. Maintains that a curriculum based on students' experiences and an interdisciplinary approach can help achieve the goals of multicultural education. (CFR)

Describes the origins and development of cultural pluralism in the United States. Proposes four theoretical approaches to pluralism. Concludes that coexistence multiculturalism offers the greatest potential for developing mutual understanding among many races and ethnic groups. (CFR)

Discusses the concept of participatory citizenship in a democracy. Describes the origin and development of the Close Up Foundation, which sponsors study trips for secondary students to Washington, D.C. Asserts that the teaching methods and materials used in the program promote effective learning and citizen participation. (CFR)

Discusses the potential impact that the America 2000 reform effort might have on social studies and citizenship education. Argues that the preoccupation of America 2000 and the business community is short-sighted. Calls for social studies educators to recommit themselves. (CF)

Examines relationships among socioeconomic advantage, achievement motivation, and academic performance in an urban elementary school population of 130 African-American and Hispanic fourth- through sixth-grade students. Results indicate that socioeconomic advantage and achievement motivation are significant mediators of academic performance among…

The diagnostic-prescriptive approach to teaching clinically focuses directly on the student. The diagnosis and identification of the strengths and weaknesses of each student, both cognitive and emotional structure, establishes the teaching prescription of instruction. The changed behavior of each student in thinking, feeling, and activity is the…

Technology means more than computers, especially in classrooms for young children. The K-3 technology curriculum should build on children's interest in making things, discovering how things work, and using tools to help accomplish tasks. To prevent computer misuse or overuse, principals must involve teachers in planning the technology curriculum.…

Describes the West Vancouver (British Columbia) School Board's goals related to the appropriate and effective use of information technology as both a school and a community resource. Highlights include social issues, learning issues, professional and personal competencies for teacher-librarians, integration of information delivery systems, and a…

A new approach in alternative assessment focuses on student-led conferences. This paper explains how one Iowa middle school implements student-led conferences. The approach combines authentic assessment via portfolios with greater student involvement. Additional components include self-assessment, effective communication, parental involvement, and…

After a period of dramatic growth in secondary school completion in Australia, school retention rates are declining. Analysis of state, system, geographic, social, and gender patterns suggests that during the 1990s the downturn in completion rate has been uneven; some groups who had come to rely on schooling during the 1980s for future economic…

Considers the extent to which grant-maintained schools (state-supported but self-governing) in Britain have contributed to the diversification of the system. Argues that the private schools have yet to provide programs that are innovative or ground breaking. Includes excerpts from interviews with nine grant-maintained school headmasters. (MJP)

Describes the Telecommunications, Education, Career Enhancement Project (TECH) at Teachers College in New York City that focuses on improving the basic English skills of intermediate ESL students from Haiti. Discusses educational objectives; student projects using video, television, and multimedia; student achievements and attendance records. A…

Questions whether the transmission of norms and values is an appropriate function of liberal education as envisioned in a liberal constitutional state (The Netherlands). Draws a distinction between the inculcation of intellectual virtues and indoctrination. Presents a cogent analysis of the concepts and objectives of liberal education for…

This article discusses how special education reform movements continue to influence school practices regarding special education placement decisions and offers recommendations for promoting academic educational benefit for included students with mild disabilities. Schools are urged to make responsible decisions regarding inclusion by developing…

A study examined effects of high-school-level economic literacy on intention to attend college and found that students' perception of the helpfulness of economics in thinking about further education positively affect college attendance intentions. Other factors include ethnic background, academic ability, high school performance, parents'…