Asserts that the study by Elicker and Mathur, with its commitment to high-quality early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practice, and its understanding of the complex demands on kindergarten curricula, can help educators look closely at their own programs in terms of teaching style and philosophical beliefs. (EV)

The transition phase from higher education to employment is examined for diverse European systems of higher education (United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, France, Spain), drawing on data from studies of the 1980s and 1990s. Areas for further research are noted. (MSE)

Investigates a hypothesis that concerns the importance of storytelling as an infrastructure that serves to create, transmit, and authenticate folklore based on a collection of Puerto Rican children's folktales with the character of Juan Bobo. Discusses cultural identity and boundaries, oral traditions, classification of folktales, and future…

Presents a discussion of the findings from reading-motivation research applied to computerized reading-management programs for elementary school students. Highlights include criticism of computerized reading management programs; intrinsic and extrinsic motivation; tangible and intangible rewards; methodological concerns for researchers; and…

Offers a critical perspective on American feminist Donald Schon and on reflective practice as a pedagogy. Reflexivity's scope in the U.K. has been constrained by its context--professions with large female workforces (nursing, teaching, and social work), where autonomy is limited and orthodoxy predominates. More research is needed. Contains 49…

Research on choice (particularly publicly funded voucher programs) reveals that voucher parents with youngsters in private schools are pleased with the opportunity; voucher programs can be structured to provide additional choice for at-risk students; few eligible families apply for tuition vouchers; and academic achievement results remain…

Community-based research projects, a minute portion of the total amount government, industry, and foundations spend money on, are beginning to generate attention among policymakers because of their power to meet the needs of ordinary citizens, especially the disadvantaged. Currently, the incentives for researchers and institutions to pursue such…

The Next Generation Internet (NGI) proposal by the Clinton Administration would advance the current state of the Internet, advance university research capabilities, and assist federal agencies in achieving their missions. Several concerns to be addressed before deciding on final action include the appropriate roles of the federal and private…

Analyzes methodologies used by those embroiled in the "mainstreaming debate" (whether a basic writing curriculum is the best way to help entering college students). Finds methodological confusion leading to monologues going in circles rather than constructive dialectic. Argues that researchers ought to consider the evidence and arguments of those…

Presents a critical appraisal of resilience, a construct connoting the maintenance of positive adaptation by individuals despite significant adversity. Addresses common criticisms, proposes solutions for those considered legitimate, and clarifies misunderstandings surrounding less valid criticisms. Concludes that work on resilience possesses…

In a case study, three women superintendents say their Texas communities viewed the superintendency as suitable for a white, middle-aged, conservative, married man committed to keeping taxes low. Their observations on subtle and blatant manifestations of androcentric culture may provide grist for feminist research. Corrective measures are…

This article reviews and analyzes three decades of research on the underachievement of gifted students in an attempt to clarify the present state of research. The problems inherent in defining and identifying underachieving gifted students are given special attention. Suggestions for future research are included. (Contains extensive references.)…

Offers a retrospective deconstruction of research compromises undertaken during "quick and dirty" contract evaluation. Identifies constraining changes in the nature of research contexts and develops a positive view of methodological developments, that might create "transgressive validity." Considers notions of "hybridity" in research methodology…

Presents a colloqium in which five business communication scholars examined some of the dilemmas of business communication research. Discusses identifying research audiences; new knowledge versus practical problem solving; differences within the discipline; publishing research; and being hired, tenured, and promoted. (SR)

Although prevailing research indicates that holding back students carries negative effects, retention is becoming ever more popular. Administrators seeking secure funding for retention alternatives face considerable resistance, while the decision to add a full year of expenditures for a retained student is made without considering budgetary…