The need for strong mentors has received more professional attention since the author first began teaching thirteen years ago. Tied to recent changes in teacher certification in their state, the mentoring component is now an integral part of teacher development and evaluation in her district. But mentoring alone is not enough to ensure continued…

The purpose of this study was to investigate two research questions: What literacy learning did preservice teachers experience through a Penpal Project embedded in an early literacy course? What sense did preservice teachers make of the Penpal Project?--with an overarching focus on bridging literacy theory with practice. Data were gathered in a…

This paper describes the application of a mixed-evaluation method, published elsewhere, to three different learning scenarios. The method defines how to combine social network analysis with qualitative and quantitative analysis in order to study participatory aspects of learning in CSCL contexts. The three case studies include a course-long,…

This research paper describes various aspects of the 12-day July Festival and period of preparation for it in one valley on the island of 'Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. This case study is of a well-delineated cultural event which exemplifies many themes presented in "Patterns of Social Interaction and Concepts of…

Even Start is a family support program focusing on family literacy and school readiness. These first seven issues of the "Look at Even Start" newsletter cover topics such as transition between preschool and kindergarten, collaboration between programs and between parents and programs, ways Even Start programs respond to parents' needs…

This monograph presents the final report of the Swedish component of TeleCommunity, a nine-nation European project exploring the potential of videotelephones. This particular study focused on the use of videotelephones to increase levels of independence, social integration, and participation in social life among adults with moderate mental…

This collection of guidelines and worksheets provides information on the development of good communication skills, aspects of interpersonal communications, and elements of administrator effectiveness in the field of education. Specifically mentioned are a public relations project; coping with rumors and grapevine information; social networking;…

This paper discusses the challenges of effectively matching the needs of youth populations with program services. An introduction reviews some broad issues that shape the discussion, namely whether youth is a period integrated into the course of life or a separatist culture. A second section proposes an ecological approach to youth services, which…

The Urban Mathematics Collaborative (UMC) project has the goal of contributing to the improvement of mathematics education in the inner-city schools by identifying models to enhance the professional lives of teachers and encouraging the entry of high school mathematics teachers into a larger mathematics community including mathematicians from…

Using school finance reform as an example, the author argues that states are willing and able to handle redistributive education issues. The paper's first section presents 1970-81 financial data comparing federal and state governments' total aid to elementary and secondary education and their aid to categorical programs for handicapped,…

A 3-year (1978-81) participant observation study examined the involvement within the spaces and places of the lives of 15 elderly residents (ranging in age from 62 to 91) of a declining rural Appalachian community, to develop an understanding of their milieu and its relationship to their level of well being. Close interpersonal relationships were…

This publication describes four school health programs from the standpoint of young people who participate in them. Its purpose is to indicate how committed staff members in comprehensive school health programs can help students to succeed. The publication identifies four well-respected programs in diverse settings that are using innovative…

Empowerment is based on the viewpoint that power shared is power multiplied. It contributes to increased school effectiveness by providing people with the opportunity and necessary resources to understand and change their world. The interactive processes by which people empower each other and benefit from them are discussed in this report.…

This document explores the field of social network theory (with particular emphasis given to Australian research literature) by identifying and evaluating the major explanatory models in use--which have origins in such diverse disciplines as anthropology, sociology, social psychology, and social psychiatry--and by summarizing important findings;…

Ways that colleges can supplement a liberal arts program with courses, internships, and advice to bridge the gap between education and work are addressed in an essay and descriptions of college programs. David R. Hiley discusses dilemmas faced by students and the need for faculty to consider career advising as part of their responsibility in the…