The conventional view of academic specialization is discussed, and the disciplines of biology and political science are used as illustrations. The analysis is based on literature studies concerning the two fields, interviews with five prominent persons in each field, and interviews with 32 biology and 32 political science faculty from 16 schools.…

This document offers perspectives on the concepts of environment and order related to the classroom setting. Environment is explained as the physical milieu, action structure, and the fit between these phenomena. Order can refer to the system being "in order" or to the participants being on task. Examples are presented of relationships…

This study compared the perceptions of male and female high school students concerning selected aspects of parent-child relationships. One major conclusion of this study is that parents have a decidedly different effect on the lives of their sons and daughters. (Author/CS)

Herbert L. Foster has written a new book about teaching black youngsters in the inner city. A Kappan interviewer extracts some of his success secrets, among them the rules for life-or-death contests. (Editor)

In an attempt to reduce classroom misbehavior and encourage positive accomplishments among congenitally deaf children, a democratic theoretical model based on the concepts of Alfred Adler and Rudolf Dreikurs was applied with 27 deaf children (ages 4 to 9 years) in four classes. (LC)

The "practical" approach currently emphasized in teacher education is critically appraised and contrasted with a more "intellectual" approach. It is suggested that more emphasis on intellectual activities is needed in teacher education and a number of arguments are presented to support a change in that direction. It is suggested that the quality…

Two elementary teachers were given systematic desensitization and behavior modification training to help them manage their feelings of anxiety and establish classroom control. Changes in teacher and student classroom behavior were recorded through daily observations by trained observers. The observers recorded teacher praise and criticism as well…

Peer modeling as a non-punitive disciplinary technique was examined in two studies assessing its effectiveness in increasing self-control of young children in the absence of an authority figure. The first study investigated the effect of observing the rule-following behavior of a peer model on the observing child's subsequent self-control.…

This testimony, by the staff director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights before the New York City Commission on Human Rights public hearings in May 1974, reviews the U.S. Commission's study of school desegregation over a three-year period, along with earlier research, and asserts that school desegregation is the surest guarantee of equal…

A two-dimensional matrix of educational disciplines and concepts in nature is proposed as a framework for syllabus development by teachers. (CR)

Discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's 1975 ruling that school officials are liable to civil suits when they violate a student's constitutional rights through "ignorance or disregard of settled, indisputable law." After examining implications of the decision, the author concludes that no unjustified burdens have been imposed on school officials. (JG)