Education & Pedagogy

A study examining 14 introductory textbooks in exceptionalities, published between 1992 and 1995, found that the cultural diversity topics discussed most consistently included bilingual issues, identification and assessment issues, overrepresentation in special education, underrepresentation in gifted programs, and the relationship of culture to society's definition of normal. (Author/CR)

Presents an annotated bibliography of educational resources from the ERIC database related to democratic education. The materials include digests, monographs, journal articles, and academic papers. The citations include all relevant bibliographic information and a short abstract, as well as, information on ordering and locating the materials. (MJP)

Maintains that the debate over the social studies curriculum has been heavily influenced by a small group of conservative foundations, academics, and the federal government. These groups work toward creating an ideological consensus that promotes a national identity and strives to preserve European American dominant culture. (MJP)

Argues that, through education, we can create a democratic culture and that, within a democratic culture, education may flourish. Locates the roots of this belief in the rebelliousness and critical mind set of the Enlightenment. Considers how to honor and extend this thinking in current educational practices. (MJP)

Parents and community members must be educated to understand nongraded primary education and how primary age children need to be schooled in order to provide the best education. The larger school community should play a significant role in developing and implementing nongraded plans. Schools must encourage parents and community volunteers to participate in children's education. (SM)

This study investigated the perceptions of 58 federal, state, and local administrators related to increasing regulatory flexibility in Title I of the Improving America's Schools Act, bilingual education, and special education. Interviewees perceived a number of benefits in consolidation, including more efficient use of resources, enhanced collaboration, and more inclusive education. Barriers are also discussed. (Author/CR)

Distance education will be in demand as the need for trained teachers in India in the near future will be greater than the availability of conventional training. Suggestions for ensuring quality in distance teacher-education are offered, and three practice teaching plans (i.e., Brunel, itinerant faculty, and cooperative) are described. (AEF)

In response to a previous article challenging social work educators to address multiculturalism, and asserting that hidden conflicts about it are unresolved in social work education, it is contended here that multiculturalism is the wrong construct to debate, that educators must be concerned with cultural diversity, and that criticisms of social work education are unwarranted. (Author/MSE)

Principles for development of health professions curricula in family violence, arising from a 1994 national conference of experts, are identified at three levels: (1) knowledge, skills, and practices to be taught to all health professionals; (2) advanced training for primary care practitioners for comprehensive care and for specialists for specific, intensive interventions; and (3) education for consultants, investigators, and teachers of intervention. (MSE)

In 1992, Texas A & M University's College of Education established the Texas Education Collaborative, a center for professional development and technology, to redesign teacher preparation and staff development programs. In 1996, the TEC joined with the university's Principal's Center to focus on principals' development in schools reconceived as leadership laboratories. The program is described. (MLH)

Discusses higher education quality and its evaluation in Europe from historical and political perspectives, tracing the concept of quality control from medieval university models to the modern research university. Examines recent changes in the political context of European education and analyzes their consequences in three national contexts: Denmark, Flanders (Belgium), and the Netherlands. Notes common elements in quality assessment mechanisms. (MSE)

Describes BRIDGE (Being Responsive to Individual Differences in General Education), a partnership between university faculty and two elementary schools that focuses on the collaborative practices and programs in general and special education. The program centers on four initiatives: teacher collaboration, family liaisons, teacher research and teacher education. (Author/CR)

Examines the origin and nature of student aggression, offering recommendations for refocusing the content of teacher education programs. The paper suggests refining the boundaries of professional development to engage all school personnel in combating aggression. Argues for strengthened university and public school collaboration to curb the rising tide of student violence. (SM)

Identifies those women mentioned most frequently in general U.S. music education history books and examines the contexts in which the books discussed their work. Surveys individuals interested in music education history to determine name recognition of these women and opinions regarding the importance of their contributions. (MJP)

Presents the National Council for the Social Studies' position paper on character education. Calls for a renewed effort by social studies educators, schools, and communities to teach character and civic virtue. Argues that students must be offered a combination of instruction and guidance on civic virtue to counter increasing indifference. (MJP)