Traces the history of the idea of a general education' from the reforms of the 19th century through the Soviet system to its current incarnation. Originally conceived as an investment in the economic future of the country, it developed into an educational counterweight to the growing professionalization of instruction during the Soviet regime.…

Poses an interesting analogy by considering the university as a constitutional entity with the faculty as its "citizens." Argues that elimination of tenure is an abrogation of the rights, and responsibilities of those citizens. Posits tenure as a stabilizing counterbalance to the often arbitrary actions of the administration. (MJP)

Introduces a framework for high school retention efforts based on the findings from a study of 84 young Mexican American women who were first in their families to attend college. The framework provides the means for bridging educational gaps by supporting the strengths of these young people and by reducing barriers to educational achievement.…

Reveals a need for concern on the part of social studies educators about the attitudes of preservice elementary teachers towards social studies. Many preservice elementary teachers evince little interest, and even some hostility, toward the subject. Recommends various strategies for correcting this. (MJP)

Narratives of Puerto Rican and Mexican American students, written in 8th grade and then 11th grade, describe who they are and illustrate school-sponsored silencing, with student critiques of their educational experience ignored by schools. The narratives help explain the Hispanic student high dropout rate, reasons behind students' academic…

A Portland (Oregon) elementary school, formerly designated a local "crisis school," has improved academic achievement through a combination of Total Quality Management, high expectations, and tough love. Quarterly assessments enable staff to keep track of each student and guide instructional decisions. Small classes, on-site professional…

At a Spokane (Washington) elementary school, ethnically diverse students perform well even though most come from difficult, low-income family environments. High expectations, student behavioral "self-management," a supportive environment, and teacher collaboration are key to this success. Multiple approaches to teaching cater to…

Cross-sectional data are presented on the relation between school achievement and measures of school environment (particularly effective schools characteristics) for 38 high schools, 32 middle schools, and 134 elementary schools in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. School environment was assessed through a survey of 5,500 teachers. (SLD)

Discusses a project at Bank Street College called "Earth Lab: A Network for Young Scientists." Explores how the use of a local area network might alter the academic environment in which students work. Reviews student databases, teacher-made databases, online databases, and electronic mail. (MVL)

Describes two main groups of home schoolers, "ideological" and "pedagogical." Highlights include a family's success with nondirective teaching; teaching styles; religious factors; the social impact; research results about use of public libraries; and 12 suggestions of how libraries can serve home schoolers information needs.…

Examines the prospects for learning and education through the use of interactive multimedia technologies (IMT) connected through telecommunications to create distributed multimedia learning environments. Highlights include a theoretical orientation on learning and teaching processes; teachers' roles; implications of learning theory for IMT design;…

Describes the impact of an independent school's switch to a coeducational institution from single sex boy's school. Discusses the process of redefining the school community and developing a set of core school values. Includes a set of recommended elements for successful coeducation programs. (CFR)

Maintains that schools must help children become adults in the most violent nation in the industrialized world. Discusses four types of youth violence: (1) situational; (2) relationship; (3) predatory; and (4) psychopathological. Concludes that schoolwide prevention programs are essential. (CFR)

Discusses the educational experiences of historians during the middle 1800s. Describes changes in historical research methods and historical interpretation that developed a new type of professional historian. Asserts that the school environment for adolescent boys directly was related to changes in historiography and historical writing. (CFR)

Asserts that the achievement and attitude of women and minority groups in science is a critical issue for the 1990s. Proposes a two-pronged curricular strategy to attract diverse students into the sciences. Maintains that Rachel Carson's biography provides a model for underrepresented groups. (CFR)