Asserts that failure to consider carefully the purposes and uses to which standardized tests are put can place barriers in the way of equal educational opportunities for minority students. Proposes six precautions for ensuring that standardized tests can be used without endangering equal educational opportunities. (PGD)

A discussion of the two systems of need analysis used for Pell grants and other large federal need-based student-aid programs looks at the reasons for different systems and examines the usefulness of simplification to one. Budgetary feasibility, distributional implications, alternative cost-saving reforms, and effects on public confidence are…

In response to Fischer (HE 527 626), the author considers a proposal to simplify need analysis in Pell grants and other federal need-based student aid as a good start toward getting policymakers to achieve more consistent assessments of student financial need, but more work by many parties to create a system producing more realistic need…

Discusses the QUASAR Project, which has worked with middle school teachers in disadvantaged communities in order to help increase the relevance of mathematics by making connections between the mathematics taught in school and the lives of students. (16 references) (MKR)

In Canada, a local school system's budget is financed from provincial grants, a local school tax, and miscellaneous revenues. The bulk of provincial grant revenue is allocated to counteract inequalities in the wealth base. Two tables and one figure display information by province. (seven references) (MLF)

National data reveal postsecondary students in proprietary schools and vocational education are much more likely than others to receive financial aid, and community college students are much less likely. Because of community college student sensitivity to costs and because evidence indicates aid is effective in two-year colleges, the pattern is…

This article examines the root causes for the overrepresentation of African American students in special education classes and their under representation in gifted and talented programs in America's public schools. The article (a) provides a historic overview of the legal struggles for educational equity, (b) examines key issues surrounding the…

McGinnis draws on the idea of engaged learning as critical and illustrates how school literacy practices do not provide urban Khmer youth (and by extension, other groups whose backgrounds are linguistically or socioculturally distinct) with deep levels of engagement in literacy activities. By looking at the types of writing experiences these youth…

This document examines the concept of gender bias communication in the classroom and how educators can avoid it. Gender bias communication is a set of behaviors that reflect bias or stereotyping, but which is not against the law. In the classroom, a teacher may treat male and female students differently without even realizing it. For instance, a…

The number of students in the science classroom who are learning English as a Second Language is increasing each day. This paper describes preliminary results of a California-based Teacher Enhancement project intended to increase elementary school teachers' science knowledge and ability to teach science to minority students and to promote the…

The aim of this guide is to help youth services workers in New South Wales (Australia) develop and implement their own access and equity policy for their organizations. The focus is on addressing the access barriers to young people from a non-English speaking background, but many of the issues, strategies, and processes discussed are applicable to…

Assessment has become the focal point of debates about the purpose, shape, and control of American education. This book presents material that can be used to make assessment a tool for the meaningful reform of school science. Basic guidelines are provided for the various systems of assessment used. The book includes concrete examples of current…

A discussion of the education of a population that is increasingly diverse, linguistically and culturally, this paper argues that non-mainstream students do not perform as well in school as predominantly white, middle-class, English-speaking mainstream students because they are not equitably served by the educational system. Some complexities of…

This monograph examines fundamental themes of equality and democracy prominent in Australian educational discourse and reform efforts during the past century, particularly since World War II. The first section argues that these ideals, while representing positive and progressive intentions, have not contributed to social justice but have led to…

This report presents and analyzes the findings of a study conducted using the modified two-phase Delphi approach of the members of the Network for Effective Schools, an organization of State and local educational administrators and teachers. The survey identified 11 of the most vitally needed reforms in American education including: (1) Schools…