This paper examines the importance of the electronic community and its conversation for educators. Highlights include: (1) connections in electronic communities, including listservs, World Wide Web-based discussion groups, and the "conversational web"; (2) cyber-collaborative learning, including virtual classrooms, developing student…

Literacy is embedded in social practice and has social meanings. Research and practice in adult literacy are demonstrating that, in order to bring about cultural and social transformation, literacy must be seen as an activity embedded in social and cultural practice. The traditional paradigm, which considers literacy as input for development and…

With over half the nation's infants and toddlers in regular, non-parental child care, the quality of that care is a priority concern for policymakers. Many studies show that high-quality child care supports the positive social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children. The research summarized in this policy brief identifies factors…

This bulletin contains the third section of Harold W. Foght's report on the rural schools of Denmark. This section of the report pertains almost wholly to the folk high schools, which have by common consent been the most important factor in the transformation in the rural life of Denmark and in the phenomenal economic and social development of…

This bulletin is one of a series that tells how teachers, pupils, parents, and other citizens have worked together to improve the quality of education for the children of their communities. "How Children Use the Community for Learning" describes the work of a city school of 450 pupils with no regular supervision, the Garfield School of…

Vocational or college-bound students responded to four futures orientation variables (personality, physical well-being, family, and occupation) along several dimensions, including hopes and fears, locus of control, and optimism. The same students took the same survey two years later. Age, sex, and educational status differences were noted. (CP)

The current and future state of intelligence testing of educable retarded children are discussed in terms of prediction, diagnosis, and remediation. Individual testing formats, task analysis, transfer of training, social nature of testing, degree of contextual support, and Neisser's distinction between academic intelligence and everyday thinking…

A 2-year case study analyzed how assistive technology was used in educational programs for 14 children with multiple disabilities and 2 to 10 years experience with assistive technology. By the end of the study the children were able to use technology tools to accomplish tasks previously not possible due to disability severity. The greatest…

Presents a series of lesson plans that include investigations in science, mathematics, geography, current events, and social studies. The cross-curricular activities help students broaden their understanding of time as well as of the "neighbors" who live in their own and other time zones. (MJP)

Criticizes the traditional approach to childhood social studies curriculum, "Me, My Family, My Community," as being superficial and inadequate. Maintains that a rapidly changing world will demand students with highly developed thinking and social skills. Includes guidelines for an optimal social learning environment for early childhood.…

Examined relationships among child-mother attachment when children were age 3; family stress when children were 3, 4, and 5; and social-emotional outcomes in kindergarten. Found that less secure kindergartners were more aggressive and less socially competent than secure peers, and kindergartners who had experienced more family stress in preschool…

Considers how information technology (IT) can help socioeconomic growth of developing countries based on experiences in Bangladesh. Topics include Bangladesh's development plans; future economic growth trends triggered by IT; emerging technologies; intellectual and societal development; industrial revolutions; telematics; regional and world…

Compared neighborhood variables, based on census data, to child outcomes for 5- and 6-year olds. Found that neighborhood structural aspects were associated with child development; neighborhood factors played a role in cognitive and socioemotional outcomes; and higher neighborhood SES and racial homogeneity were related to children's higher…

Evaluated contributions of birth status (gestational age and birthweight) and family adversity at birth and at age 7 to explain behavior problems at age 7. Found significant relationships between birth status and isolation, social withdrawal problems, social immaturity, and inattention. Family adversity at birth contributed to aggression reported…

Empirical studies evaluating speech and language intervention procedures applied to children with autism are reviewed and the documented benefits are summarized. In particular, interventions incorporating sign language, discrete-trial training, and milieu teaching procedures have been used successfully to expand the communication repertoires of…