Education & Pedagogy

Describes a program model tested at two Boston high schools designed to better prepare monolingual teachers to meet the needs of their linguistic minority students. Program consisted of needs assessment, workshops, conferences, and classroom projects. Recommendations for future projects include administrator, counselor, and bilingual staff involvement; and peer coaching. (AF)

Audio-cueing (prompting) is an effective intervention strategy to improve selected teaching behaviors (positive behavior feedback; positive specific skill feedback). The subject of the study was an experienced male elementary (K-8) physical education specialist. Post-checks revealed positive skill feedback improvement was sustained after 6 months, but not positive behavior feedback. (IAH)

Findings from a study indicate that cooperating teachers in physical education can improve their supervisory function through training in a behavioral model of supervision. The self-instructional training package has three performance objectives: monitoring, conferencing, and follow-up monitoring. Emphasis is on improved feedback to, and accountability of, student teachers. (IAH)

New York's Futuring Project is responding to key social and economic changes in two ways: (1) requiring all seventh- and eighth-grade students to take Introduction to Technology and Home and Career Skills courses and (2) creating five Adult Centers for Comprehensive Education and Support Services that offer adults education and training, counseling, assessment, and support. (SK)

Examines the conditions that facilitated the creation of the first national educational systems in nineteenth century Europe. Performs a longitudinal regression and event-history analysis of educational expansion in 17 Western countries. Suggests that paths to mass education involve linkages among the central state, societal groups, and the church. (LS/Author)

Discussion of interpersonal communication in distance education focuses on a study conducted at the Institute of Canadian Bankers based on Keegan's theoretical framework of re-integrating interpersonal components through learning materials. Hypotheses tested are explained, and achievement, self-perception of learning achievement, final academic standing, and student attitudes are examined. (33 references) (LRW)

Shows how clerico-fascist regime, which came to power in Austria in 1933-34, placed emphasis on character formation as a primary aspect of schooling. Maintains that the goal was to educate youth by using public education for indoctrination, following methods of Italian Fascists and German National Socialists. Analyzes how they reorganized the curriculum to present all subjects from this viewpoint. (NL)

Nutrition instruction at the Dental School of the University of Texas Health Science Center (San Antonia) has been required for 20 years and is now an integrated part of the undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs with both didactic (freshman year) and clinical (sophomore year) components. (MSE)

This article discusses changes in classroom instruction necessary to fully realize the Regular Education Initiative. A combination of preventive, continuous, and supplementary programs is suggested and illustrated in Success for All, a program designed to bring all students to grade level in basic skills by the third grade without pull-outs. (Author/PB)

A review of the history of special education delivery systems reveals a continuous trend toward progressive inclusion. Because it is now possible to serve all disabled students in neighborhood schools, remote specialized places such as the residential and day school are likely to be eliminated. (Author/DB)

The author discusses the 8-4-4 system of education in Kenya, developed to provide all Kenyan youth with life skills training. Emphasis is placed on the primary school with the realization that many students will not pursue their schooling beyond that point. Some comments on next steps are included. (CH)

The article reviews studies on vocational adjustment of the learning disabled as well as current practices and concludes that secondary programs should provide six types of vocationally relevant activities including: occupational awareness/exploration, vocational assessment, instruction in job-related academic skills, instruction in job-related interpersonal skills, and post-school placement and follow-up. (Author/DB)

Identifies some of the salient characteristics of American private schools. Examines possible effects that the status composition of the student body might have in influencing the educational opportunity structure. Raises questions about the educational and social equity of supporting private schools financially through school choice mechanisms such as tax credits, vouchers, or grants. (AF)

Introduces a group of articles exploring the role of literature in the lives and education of African American children. Benefits that accrue to children from reading literature include the following: (1) aesthetic appreciation; (2) literacy education; (3) cognitive development; (4) social and moral values; and (5) understanding and appreciation of American and African American culture. (AF)

Minority participation in the workforce, and by extension in vocational education, is increasingly important to the economic welfare of the United States. Describes a conference focusing on minority issues and concerns in vocational education related to programs, students, staff, and research. Recommends development of role models, funding, and curriculum. (AF)