The following objectives for a k-12 multicultural program are discussed: (1) celebrations, (2) curiosity quest, (3) ethnic group contributions, (4) similarities among groups (case study approach), (5) consciousness raising, (6) communication, and (7) caring. Also examined are additional factors to consider in developing such a program, e.g.,…

A K-12 social studies scope and sequence that is realistically possible to implement is presented. Contents include: mandate for citizenship education; definition and goals of social studies; an illustrative scope and sequence, providing specific grade level examples; examples of applications of democratic beliefs and values; and essential social…

There is little evidence to support the view that schools are responsible for economic problems and/or that they are the key to solving them. As long as such views remain dominant, however, American educational goals will continue to be captive to the profit motive of American industry. (JBM)

South African educational reforms in the 1980s are seen as the government's response to critics of apartheid and an attempt to win the hearts and minds of Blacks through apparent, but not necessarily real, restructuring of the racial division of labor and through limited technical training for Blacks. (MH)

This study examines the factors that influence participation in vocational education among students who attended high school during the early 1990s--that is, when the focus of federal vocational education policy began to change. The factors examined included three types of characteristics of students, their parents, and their high schools: (1)…

Public Agenda was asked by the Nebraska State Board of Education and the Nebraska Department of Education (referred to hereafter as the State Board and the NDE) to help design and implement a public engagement process that would allow a cross-section of the state's citizens to comment on the central ideas contained in the document "Equitable…

How does one become an effective superintendent of schools? There is no simple formula as the turnover rate reflects difficulty of the position. Some maintain that the job cannot be done well due to politics, financial constraints, and time demands. As a former superintendent, the author rejects this negative view. In this highly readable,…

The High School diploma has lost its value because what it takes to earn one is disconnected from what it takes for graduates to compete successfully beyond high school--either in the classroom or in the workplace. Re-establishing the value of the diploma will require the creation of an inextricable link between high school exit expectations and…

A study extended studies on use of prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR) by concentrating on learners/students outside of the college system and exploring student experience with all dimensions of the use of PLAR. Fourteen university students were interviewed. Findings indicated respondents had re-entered formal education by novel means…

In 1992, the South Australian Minister of Education granted operational control of schooling in the remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara lands to the Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Education Committee (PYEC). PYEC is composed of Aboriginal community members (Anangu) who largely retain their traditional values and customs. This means that generally…

Retention and graduation rates have been topics of concern for undergraduate institutions. These indicators are not as applicable for two-year institutions where students' goals are more varied. This study examined the retention over four semesters of 678 first-time, full-time community college students with respect to their initial educational…

University of the Third Age (U3A) programs in Australia and New Zealand were examined through data collected from 126 U3A groups in Australia and 20 in New Zealand. The 24,870 responses and 2,002 responses obtained in Australia and New Zealand, respectively, represented 76% and 77% of U3A group members in the two countries. Data were collected…

A study at Crowder College (Missouri) found that clustering within majors may prove helpful in evaluating and implementing long-range planning for student retention and academic success. The study, which included nursing, athletics, and Environmental Resource Center (ERC) students, identified factors aiding academic success: demonstrative goals,…

This report focuses on the first goal of the National Education Goals--that all children will arrive at school ready to learn. The report presents data indicating the status of young children at the start of the three year "I Am Your Child" campaign, and the progress of the nation and states toward meeting the health, family, and…

This document discusses the benefits of distance education and the necessary steps for its implementation. It begins by describing the societal changes that are paving the way for distance learning, such as reduced access for expanding student populations and the dissolution of geographic boundaries. The next section explains the rationale behind…