Schools should study the scope and pervasiveness of the diversity in their community and look for collaborative possibilities with other public agencies and organizations. Suggests ideas to help students reach out to cultures, religions, races, and generations other than their own. (MLF)

Scholars on poverty are actively objecting to proposed legislation to reform the current welfare system, arguing that certain approaches are inconsistent with research on poverty and that widespread misconceptions are influencing public policy. Of particular concern is the potential effect of the proposed legislation on poor women and children.…

It is proposed that universities fund all research prospectively, one project at a time, as publishers do, and require faculty whose research has not been funded to fill his work schedule with teaching, effecting significant savings and the understanding that time off for research is not automatic. (MSE)

Presents a historical perspective on diversity in higher education and approaches to achieving it in community colleges. Explores the role of institutional leadership in developing awareness, implementing innovative initiatives and hiring practices, creating opportunities for dialog, and using long-range planning to create a system that supports…

Explores obstacles to Internet usage, presents what is known about them, and considers strategies for avoiding or ameliorating their effects. Obstacles discussed include unrealistic expectations; lack of understanding of the effects of organizational culture on networking; lack of awareness of social effects of networking technologies; and lack of…

Describes how library administrators can create awareness of the disabled as capable staff and patrons and help staff develop positive attitudes toward the disabled. Suggestions include use of existing programs to promote awareness; sensitivity training; use of appropriate terminology for the disabled; and the need for ongoing efforts. (three…

Clarifies themes common among articles in this volume, including the importance of collaboration between local and outside educators; the changing organization of language, literacy, and math instruction as local knowledge becomes the basis for curriculum; and enabling and disabling conditions for such change to occur (such as bilingual bicultural…

Three problems of New York City (New York) schools--overpopulation, low academic standards, violence--are examined, and an effort led by parent and teacher organizations to improve conditions is described. Threatened closings (schools under registration review, SURR) and a program of violence reduction (Straight Talk about Risks, STAR) are noted.…

Fundamental tensions between the traditional notion of educational quality, the ideal of cultural pluralism, and public policy are examined in the context of higher education. The responsibility of the university and the academic profession to take a part in resolving those tensions through constructive change is discussed. (MSE)

The process for establishing a climate and a framework that promote school-based reform is complex. Describes the steps a typical but fictitious district takes to build support for change. (MLF)

The college liberal arts curriculum should help disengage students from their own cultural perspectives so they can more adequately think and argue about the past. Similarly, in studying how literary texts represent cultures, students need not "know" the culture but simply understand the statement they make. (MSE)

The northeast's economic problems have had a serious impact on higher education in student access, faculty contracts, faculty "brain drain," rising tuition, more time spent completing degrees, and decaying facilities. Higher education must shift its emphasis away from mere survival and back to creativity in teaching and research. (MSE)

At the recent National Collegiate Athletic Association convention, college presidents helped enact a package of reforms that will help governing boards plan their institutions' athletics programs. If these policies are to restore the proper balance of athletics and academics, presidents must receive continued board support. (Author/MSE)

This presidential address discusses realities that may alter political, social, and economic priorities in the future; examines how these realities will affect the lives of people with mental retardation and their families; and addresses ideas for responding to these realities and promoting greater opportunities and quality of life for citizens…

Examines the current societal and educational context for change in public schools. Notes conditions that create roadblocks to school reform, including fiscal constraints, deteriorating home environment, teacher and administrator stress, expanding services, and diversity in schools. Briefly reviews change literature. (55 references) (MLF)