Undergraduate students majoring in Islamic Studies at the women's colleges in Saudi Arabia need to take an English-for-Specific-Purposes (ESP) course each year of the B.A. program. The material for all four courses was developed in-house by a group of instructors at those colleges. An examination of the course material in general and reading…

The question of bias in the way Higher School Certificate (HSC) scores relate to university results is examined. Analyses showed that HSC scores were biased against state school students. State school students were found to perform better at university than do independent school students having the same HSC scores. (Author/MLW)

Three vocational English courses conducted in 1976 are described and evaluated. Elements included are program participant characteristics, trainee concerns and attitudes, language background, reaction to the course, placement tests, course material, costs, funding, supervisors' comments, and a follow-up study conducted the same year. (MSE)

Contains nine articles discussing how lives of students will be affected by future changes. Discusses the work ethic and work values in a time of change, entering the 80s job market, women and employment. Describes students' changing sexual values, and the impact of computers and declining enrollment on education. (RC)

A sample (750) of recent graduates from a medium-sized midwestern university illustrates the process of sex stratification through sex-linked choices in the area of undergraduate study and career paths. Analyses, incorporating gender, graduation cohort, area of study, family status, and type of work, document significant income differentials…

Data from the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 showed that factors influencing female entry into male-dominated higher education programs included academic ability, more high school courses in mathematics and science, and work-oriented attitudes, but not family influence. (MH)

This position paper of the Association of American Medical Colleges gives an overview of the current situation regarding women's careers in academic medicine; looks at some reasons for disparities between men and women; and makes recommendations concerning development and mentoring of women faculty, administrators, residents, and students as well…

Presents a free-wheeling and insightful interview with Nobel Prize winning author, Toni Morrison. Morrison talks about the nature, benefits, and characteristics of community, drawing examples from her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and New York City. She also discusses prevalent themes and ideas in her books. (MJP)

Applies Item Response Theory methods to data from the national norming of the Test of Economic Literacy to identify test questions with large male-female differences. Regression analysis showed a significant decrease in the magnitude of gender difference, although a difference was still present. (MJP)

Suggests that it is time to increase the professional status of teaching by demonstrating to society that the differences between teaching and more traditional professions are not about gender. There must be positive social construction that allows women access to their rightful place among all levels of organizational hierarchy. (SM)

Examines the role of women's literary societies in the United States during the first half of the 17th century. The reading societies provided a space for intellectual growth, companionship, and support. They also created a pre-feminist role model of a literate and competent woman, the "learned woman." (MJP)

Discusses the educational philosophy of the Society of the Holy Child Jesus and its impact upon the women of Nigeria and Ghana. This religious instruction allowed them to attain a liberated means of self-expression and leadership faithful to their cultural heritage as African women and their formation as Christians. (MJP)

Asserts that social studies often emphasizes abstract concepts illustrated with obscure historical references. Argues that the introduction of feminist issues of social justice, exploitation, violence, and power can galvanize many of the central issues of social studies. Considers the use of language and how it restricts and validates certain…

Argues that the concerns and reactions of young girls to popular culture often are deemed superficial and irrelevant in social studies. Recalls an incident where a 13-year-old's journal entry regarding her fascination with horror films was poorly graded. Includes transcripts of the girl talking about films. (MJP)

Differential item functioning (DIF) methodology for revealing sources of item difficulty and performance characteristics of different groups was explored. A total of 150 Scholastic Aptitude Test items and 132 Graduate Record Examination general test items were analyzed. DIF was evaluated for males and females and Blacks and Whites. (SLD)