Children who had been classified at 12 and 18 months of age according to their attachment to mother and father were observed in play groups and given a social perception test at 5 years. Findings suggest that infant-mother attachment is a more powerful predictor of social competence in preschool than is father attachment or combined mother and…

An overview of educational policies toward language-minority students from 1960 to the present indicates how often they have been ignored. The new national standards movement, America 2000, is no exception. The effects that this initiative might have on the education of language-minority students are explored. (SLD)

Examines the rationale for critical, rather than didactic, instructional approaches. Delineates activities of the Center for Critical Thinking and Moral Critique at Sonoma State University (California), a leading institute in the critical thinking movement. These activities include preparing teaching guides, conducting annual international…

Distinguishes weak forms of critical thinking (restricted to logical thinking) from strong forms of critical pedagogy (incorporating a moral component into critical thinking). Sees evidence of weak forms in the 1987 California History-Social Science Framework. Contends that social studies must be interdisciplinary, global in perspective,…

A sample of 183 third through sixth grade students were administered the Revised Class Play (RCP). Seven years later, these children and their parents completed a questionnaire measuring the students' behavioral symptoms and social, athletic, and academic competence. The RCP scores were related to adolescent competence and psychopathology. (BC)

This paper identifies demographic changes in the areas of poverty, single-parent families, teenage pregnancy, and educational achievement, with emphasis on increased vulnerability of minority populations. It also notes related challenges to the educational system in personnel recruitment and preparation, effective delivery of educational services…

Considers the gap between theory and practice in social studies education. Postulates this gap results from teachers utilizing critical thinking as a classroom strategy rather than committing to it as an ethic. Examines seven principles to illustrate critical thinking as a teaching ethic. Urges professors to embody this ethic in their teaching to…

Assesses critical thinking teaching models, including skill development, problem-solving, logical thinking, multiaspect, and information processing approaches. Stresses creating open classroom environments where critical thinking that fosters effective, thoughtful decision making can flourish. Argues that teaching can and should be less…

Community leadership roles taken by African-American educators between 1795 and 1954 are reviewed, including biographical sketches of several prominent Blacks. Educators were major figures in African-American movements toward specific cultural objectives. (SLD)

Analyzes concepts of access and success as they relate to educational practice for homeless students, describing a congressional policy shift and barriers to education. A survey of 45 state coordinators and a case study of the Chicago (Illinois) public schools reveal how difficult it is to provide success for homeless students. (SLD)

A framework for developing teachers' reflective decision making ability is provided along with specific staff development activities that promote teacher reflection. Strategies include conducting personal histories, video/audio self-assessment, journal writing, cognitive coaching, cases, role playing, and problem framing/action research. (SM)

The national supply of teachers has risen to meet the demand, largely because of the growing interest in alternative programs of teacher preparation. An overview is given of alternative teacher certification that has allowed many districts, especially large urban districts, to fill their vacancies. (SLD)

Maintains that the standardized teacher/course evaluation form has become a ritual at virtually every major U.S. university. Argues that many good teachers are unrewarded, ineffective ones win prizes, and the evaluation process is a means of monitoring political orthodoxy. (CFR)

Twenty-seven teachers from two urban high schools talk about communicating with English-as-a-Second-Language minority students and their parents. The focus is on student, parent, and school characteristics with respect to intercultural communication and on the needs of each group to develop communication skills and cultural sensitivity. (SLD)

The Americans with Disabilities Act affects administration of college student financial aid in areas such as need analysis, determination of satisfactory academic progress, enrollment status, and loan cancellation. Compliance requires an understanding of the definitions of disability, reasonable accommodation, academic progress, and enrollment…