This paper reports the results of observation skills training via an interactive multimedia training program for preservice teachers at Lincoln University (Missouri). The training program provides multiple videos for users to practice six types of observation methodologies, comparisons to "expert" data, and on-line access to procedural…

This study investigated the adult adjustment of students with mental disabilities in high-school graduating classes of 1984 and 1985, 1 and 3 years after they exited high school. Two hundred sixty students from the class of 1984 were interviewed 1 year out of high school; 166 from this same class were interviewed 3 years out of school. Three…

A study was done of the postgraduate studies, occupations and impressions of the University of California Davis graduates of 1989-90. Those students witnessed a period of dramatic growth in enrollment and an increase in ethnic diversity at a time of strained resources and facilities at Davis. In four mailings a survey was sent to 3,016 graduates…

The increasing racial and ethnic diversity of classrooms in the United States presents a significant challenge to the next generation of teachers and to those responsible for their training. This book explains the steps teacher educators and policymakers must take in order to prepare a teaching force that is both culturally diverse and culturally…

The 29 articles in this theme issue of "The Bookmark" focus on various aspects of school library media programs. The articles are as follows: (1) "School Library Media Program Connections for Learning" (Betty J. Morris); (2) "Humanity and Technology in the School of the Future" (Michael V. McGill); (3) "Community…

This paper describes a technology integration curriculum created for teachers and administrators based on collaborative research in public schools; efforts to interest the Graduate School faculty at Bank Street College in integrating technology into their courses; and the benefits and disadvantages of a variety of teaching formats for students,…

The third annual external evaluation of the Choctaw Special Alternative Instruction program is reported. The program has its roots in two efforts by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to improve their schools, an English-as-a-Second-Language education effort, and a curriculum implementation program. The Mississippi Band preserves many…

This practicum was designed and implemented to reduce the underrepresentation of minority students in gifted programs, and to help minority students improve their academic achievement in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The practicum involved examining the gifted student nomination/identification process to see if instruments or procedures were…

This study reports on nine family literacy projects that focus on families whose primary language is not English. The first six projects fall under the Kenan service model, which sees that children receive more or as many services as adults and is organized around children's needs. These include the Canoncito Family Support/Early Childhood…

Two themes which run through a majority of education reform reports are the need better to prepare teachers for cultural diversity and to forge partnerships between universities and public schools. In an effort to fill these needs a collaborative project was undertaken between the University of Central Florida and a local elementary school (in…

The Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS) study followed a group of students who began their postsecondary education in the 1989-90 academic year. The follow-up in the spring of 1992 explored the persistence and degree attainment of these beginners (approximately 10,600 students). As expected, many initially enrolled for programs of less than 4…

Three types of research summaries comprise this loose-leaf compendium: "topical synthesis,""closeups," and "snapshots." The single topical synthesis is entitled "Fostering Intercultural Harmony in Schools" (Kathleen Cotton). Closeups consist of brief definitions and essential research findings on the following topics: "Developing Employability…

This study examined special education services for migrant and Native American students in Washington's Northwest Educational Service District 189, an area of 35 school districts with 33% of the enrollment comprising these two minority groups. The study used a backward mapping approach as it sought to identify best practices/procedures and…

Although there was expectation that the current recession would bring a new wave of Appalachian Kentuckians back to their homeland hills, as had previous recessions, no great "return to the hills" (or even to other areas of the state) has materialized. Unemployment insurance claims by people formerly employed in other states have not…

The report of the 25-member National Advisory Council on Rural Development, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture, defines rural needs and sets forth strategies for rural development in the 1980's. A review of the decade between 1970 and 1980 discusses rapid economic growth of rural areas, social progress, and changes in public service, and…