Reports on a survey of 571 college English departments which indicated that almost all use a core of works and have not abandoned traditional texts, that professors view multicultural understanding as a goal but not a primary goal of literature classes, and that such theoretical approaches as the history of ideas and New Criticism do influence…

Describes the educational philosophy and procedures of New York City's City and Country School, where two through seven year olds use primary materials to enrich cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth. The school promotes deep involvement, independent learning, and increased attention span. (BB)

Aspects of the social theory of J. Habermas with implications for education are reviewed. Habermas had influenced thinking about pedagogical and administrative theory and about the societal role of education and educational practices. According to Habermas, critical social science requires mastery of the analytic and interpretive sciences, not…

This paper begins with historical remarks about general education in South Africa and then discusses the relevance and applicability of special education services for African Americans there. It outlines the need for equal special educational opportunities and implications for addressing inequality in education. (Author/JDD)

K. S. Schiller, S. Plank, and B. Schneider argue that whether or not curricular differences exist between choice and nonchoice public schools cannot be answered by the analysis of Sosniak and Ethington. Sosniak and Ethington reiterate that choice as a policy is not a mechanism for stimulating curriculum change. (SLD)

This survey relating to 184 Oregon students with severe intellectual disabilities and severe problem behaviors found that major extra educational support was in the form of additional teaching assistants. Ninety percent of students spent some portion of each school day socially integrated. Over 40% received community-based instruction. (Author/JDD)

Parents, educators, and support personnel (n=585) were surveyed regarding prevalence of professional practices believed to interfere with integrated delivery of services to disabled students. Findings indicate high prevalence of interfering practices such as having sections of individualized education programs for each discipline, and allowing…

Though the Constitution of India guarantees the right to be educated and to work, only a minority of visually handicapped/blind citizens attain these rights. A new education policy includes integration of blind children at every educational level, followed by vocational training and job placement. Problems, possible solutions, and progress are…

This interview brings out Susan Winebrenner's views on key concepts in her book on teaching gifted students in regular classrooms; the importance of appreciating diversity, utilizing flexible grouping, and allowing for varying learning styles; the administrator's role; the role of independent projects; and the special needs of gifted students. (DB)

Compares literacy in colonial and contemporary America along dimensions of conceptions of literacy; practice of literacy; relationships among speaking, reading, and writing; and sites for learning literacy. Comparisons suggest directions for refiguring literacy today, including more emphasis on literacy as a collaborative practice. (SLD)

Describes educational principles and practices of village schools in Baselland Canton, Switzerland. Examines educational philosophy, administrative and school structure, financial support, curricula and grading, and perceptions of teachers and administrators. Suggests that the Swiss are content with their educational system and level of school…

Relates the experience of students and a teacher in an alternative high school in designing a biology curriculum based on Foxfire practices. Describes student efforts to gain approval from school officials to study evolution and creationism and the conflicts in values and belief systems among the students. (LP)

Traces the history of special education services in Russia from its beginning in the early nineteenth century through the rapid expansion of both private and government-supported programs and institutions under the restrictive Soviet period. Changes being implemented currently are noted, including provision of learning disability specialists in…

Uses narratives of five female students of color in an urban high school to describe how students simultaneously participate in, and resist, school. Suggests organizing schools to maximize contact between school personnel and students and notes the importance of listening to students when formulating educational policy and practice. (SLD)

Describes the response of an urban school district to the unexpected enrollment of large numbers of newly arrived immigrants. Focuses on the processes that resulted in the implementation of an alternative high school and its abrupt closure a year later, and explores the implications of these decisions for policy and practice. (SLD)