(1994). Expanding Multicultural Curriculum: Helping Children Discover Cultural Similarities. Social Studies and the Young Learner, v6 n3 p12-15 Jan-Feb. Reviews research on the development of social attitudes by elementary children. Reports on a study of the impact of children's literature and response activities on attitudinal shifts among 18 second-grade students. Recommends further research and provides a 12-item annotated bibliography reflecting cultural similarities. (CFR)…
(1992). Multiculturalism and Social Cohesion in a Democratic Society: Is the United States Experience a Model or an Example?. Prospects, v22 n1 p80-90. Describes the origins and development of cultural pluralism in the United States. Proposes four theoretical approaches to pluralism. Concludes that coexistence multiculturalism offers the greatest potential for developing mutual understanding among many races and ethnic groups. (CFR)…
(1993). Southeastern Indians, Precontact to the Present: Introductory Essay. Social Education, v57 n6 p292-314 Oct. Describes the history, culture, cultural geography, and current place in the school curriculum of American Indians of the southeastern United States. Contends that American Indians are both ignored and stereotyped in most social studies instructional materials. Provides an annotated bibliography of recommended materials for teachers and students. (CFR)…
(1996). The Story of Ourselves: Fostering Multiple Historical Perspectives. Social Education, v60 n4 p212-15 Apr-May. Criticizes most history textbooks for presenting a single perspective with few conflicting ideas. Characterizes literature-based instruction as a resource rich in multiple viewpoints that invites the reader to enter into moral discussions about historical events. Presents several examples of trade books illustrating specific historical periods with accompanying activities. (MJP)…
(1995). Beyond Political Correctness: Toward the Inclusive University. This collection of 12 essays examines the history of the discourse over political correctness (PC) in Canadian academia, focusing on the neoconservative backlash to affirmative action, inclusive policies, and feminist and anti-racist teaching in the classroom. It includes: (1) "Introduction: Political Correctness and the Inclusive University" (Stephen Richer and Lorna Weir); (2) "'Political Correctness': An Ideological Code" (Dorothy E. Smith); (3) "PC Then and Now: Resignifying Political Correctness" (Lorna Weir); (4) "Framing the 'Western Tradition' in Canadian PC Debates" (Victor Shea); (5) "Academic Freedom Is the Inclusive University" (Janice Drakich and others); (6) "'Fit and Qualified': The Equity Debate at the University of Alberta" (Jo-Ann Wallace); (7) "Diversity, Power, and Voice: The Antinomies of Progressive Education" (Daiva K. Stasiulis); (8) "Reaching the Men: Inclusion and Exclusion in…
(1995). Schools, Communities, and the Arts: A Research Compendium. This volume presents a comprehensive review of current research on the implementation of quality arts programs in U.S. schools, and an indicator of areas that need to be explored, with emphasis on community priorities and initiatives. The 49 quantitative and qualitative reports, articles, and dissertations are divided into five sections: (1) six are evaluation studies of \broad-based\ arts programs implemented at many grade levels and in a variety of settings, which concern programs that tend to involve more than one arts discipline, include the arts in multiple roles, or involve a large number of people; (2) 17 are smaller-scale \targeted\ studies, using various methodologies, and tend to focus on one arts discipline or type of student or to examine a specific research question; (3) nine present \compilations\ of research in a particular area, often cutting across disciplines; (4) 12 describe \attitudes\ among students and parents and public opinion, on issues and programs,… [PDF]
(1990). Making Uncommon Sense: Critical Revisioning Professional Knowledge about Diverse Cultural Perspectives in Teacher Education. One aspect of the Alverno College (Wisconsin) teacher education program focuses on the critical treatment (critical revisioning) of popular approaches to teaching across lines of race, class, gender, culture, and power. To illustrate the development of prospective students' ability to think critically about such teaching, this discussion explores the revisioning of learning styles and cognitive styles, with a focus upon the potential for miscommunications in learning interactions, rather than the ascription of cognitive characteristics to individuals or to groups of minority students. The paper examines four assertions in critical revisioning as they apply to the constructs of cognitive style and learning style: (1) styles are reified constructs best understood as patterned dynamics of interaction with parents, teachers, and learning situations, not as static characteristics ascribable to learners themselves; (2) the application of styles research must be grounded in a critical…
(1994). Bilingual/Bicultural Deaf Education Is Appropriate. Occasional Monograph Series, Number 2. This discussion focuses on the growing trend in deaf education toward bilingualism/biculturalism, with special emphasis on schools for the deaf in Canada. American Sign Language and la Langue Signes Quebecois on the one hand and English and French on the other are used as examples of bilingualism. Biculturalism is seen in the deaf individual's participation in both deaf and hearing cultures around the world. Theoretical assumptions of monolingual/monocultural approaches are contrasted to those of bilingual/bicultural education. Trends at specific schools in Canada, the United States, and Sweden are examined. An evolving paradigm which sees English as a second, rather than first, language for people with deafness is noted, as are trends toward increased community support for deaf bilingual/bicultural education and for general bilingualism. Trends in research are also identified, including new insights into how deaf children read and a paradigm shift which views deafness as a… [PDF]
(1986). Vocational Training of Young Migrants in the United Kingdom. This study looked at the overall situation of the immigrant population, and young immigrants in particular, and analyzed such problem areas as the transition from school to working life and the inadequacies of initial training with relation to the situation in the United Kingdom. The study identified the following problem areas: (1) problems relating to the education of children of migrant workers and, (2) problems concerning access to vocational training and the links between success at school, success in vocational training, success in employment, and access to the labor market. Analysis of the data suggested some conclusions, among them: (1) the question of vocational training for ethnic minorities and migrant young people cannot be separated from an understanding of the position these groups have come to occupy in British society; (2) contrary to many assumptions, these young people are highly motivated and at least as able as those to whom they can be reasonably compared; (3)… [PDF]
(1984). Philosophical Studies in Education. Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Valley Philosophy of Education Society (Cincinnati, Ohio, November 19-20, 1982). Arranged in four parts, this collection of conference papers addresses selected philosophical and social questions being faced by contemporary educators. Part 1 contains the presidential address, the subject of which is conceptions of the educated person, and a response to that address. Part 2, the general session, contains two papers which discuss the distinction between the existentialist and analytical philosophy of education and an interpretation of Martin Buber's philosophy. Part 3, the concurrent sessions, comprises 12 papers. Topics covered include Kohlberg's moral theory, the relationship between children's literature and moral education, the teacher as a moral example, the impact of law on social and educational policy, bicultural and bilingual education, and the philosophy of John Dewey. An official program of the annual meeting, minutes, treasurer's report, society membership list, and manuscript style guidelines are also included. (LP)…
(1983). Pupils. This chapter reviews 1982 cases involving pupils. Such cases increased one-third in 1982, with much of the increase attributable to litigation concerning the rights of handicapped students. A 1982 U.S. Supreme Court case defining the congressional mandate of an "appropriate education" for such students may help reduce the controversy in this area. Issues of student rights, including school library book removal and drug searches, received conflicting decisions, while "moments of silence" as an alternative to school prayer and laws requiring the teaching of "creation science" were rebuffed in federal courts. Desegregation litigation continued with little resolution. Sections of this chapter are devoted to cases involving handicapped and exceptional children; public school assignment, tuition, and transportation; bilingual-bicultural programs; private and parochial schools; school sports; substantive rights of students; sanctions for student misconduct;…
(1979). Service Delivery to Bilingual Population in Rural Areas. In 1970-1972 a Texas high school in a bicultural community piloted a motivational program of English, Language Arts, and Social Studies skills designed to involve disadvantaged students (mostly Mexican American) in positive, creative outlets to alleviate a negative self-concept. Four teachers plus Title I Migrant aides used a team teaching approach to provide specialized counseling and raise student achievement to that of the peer group. Oral language development was reinforced using Buy's "Speaking By Doing"; reading improvement was based on the Westinghouse PLAN kit; and social studies programs were centered around thematic film units. Project evaluation consisted of standardized testing, teacher observation, and academic success of students in other classes. In 1976 the program was changed to 18 individualized quarter courses including media study, reading skills, economics, American culture, Mexican culture, and Spanish. Proration of all students into the courses… [PDF]
(2002). The Effectiveness of Minority Teachers on Minority Student Success. This paper examines the shortage of minority teachers and explores the high priority that exists among parents, teachers, and the business community to work toward a diversified teaching force, focusing on the U.S. Hispanic population and investigating whether minority teachers in the classroom can result in minority student success in school. The paper suggests that the extremely low percentage of minority teachers in public schools has led to a high dropout rate among minority students. The majority population generally has a difficult time understanding cultural differences. When this occurs, communication between students and teachers breaks down, leading to serious consequences. Teachers need to know how to respond to students in culturally appropriate ways. Statistics on Hispanic students show that only 50 percent will graduate from high school. Many educators agree that minority teachers are important to Hispanic students because they can act as role models, encourage… [PDF]
(1996). Teaching toward Gender and Ethnic Inclusivity. Religious Education, v91 n2 p147-59 Spr. Maintains that a paramount task of religious education is to expose and redress social injustice. Identifies two of the most pervasive problems as sexism and racism. Argues that, because of their theological authenticity and influence, religious educators are in a unique position to effect social change. (MJP)…
(1995). Campus Trends 1995: New Directions for Academic Programs. Higher Education Panel Report, Number 85. For the 12th year, a national survey of changes in the academic and administrative practices of American colleges and universities was undertaken. Senior administrators at 407 colleges and universities completed and returned survey questionnaires (80 percent of a sample of 506). Responses were statistically weighted so that results were representative of all American colleges and universities that offer a general program of undergraduate instruction. Selected highlights of the findings include: (1) almost all colleges and universities are expanding the use of electronic classroom technology; (2) most are offering more courses that involve active learning experiences for students; (3) most also have activities underway to increase multicultural or gender awareness; (4) there are widespread efforts to improve the freshman year; (5) in the past year 75 percent undertook some activity related to a self-study for specialized accrediting agencies; (6) almost all colleges and universities… [PDF]