Focusing on early childhood issues specific to New Zealand, this document is comprised of three papers exploring provision of culturally competent care in early childhood services. The first paper, "Considering Culture" (Lisa Terreni with Judi McCallum), addresses some current theories that attempt to understand "culture" and…

Major current issues in student financial aid include the articulation of program purposes, the allocation of aid resources, and the structure of delivery mechanisms. The resolution of these issues can dramatically affect institutions of postsecondary education, from their fiscal viability to the nature of their student body. (Author/JMD)

The challenges and joys involved in teaching recently arrived immigrant children are discussed in this article. A variety of effective classroom strategies are presented. Information on English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) students and ESL techniques is also included. (IAH)

The College Life Task Assessment Instrument (CLT), a 35-item questionnaire, assesses college student performance in 7 life-task domains important to college life. Reliability and Validity results demonstrate the CLT's ability to predict freshman and cumulative GPA, freshman and cumulative credits earned, academic, social, and personal-emotional…

Discusses the focus of this special issue on college student retention and describes the issue's articles, which advance recommendations for institutional action that emanate from theory and research rooted in several different theoretical orientations: organizational, sociological, and psychological. (EV)

This article presents an interview with Maura Harty, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs. In this interview, the Secretary answers probing questions about international education, visas, and ways that community colleges can remain involved.

The exclusionary term, "social maladjustment," the definition in Public Law 94-142 (the Education for All Handicapped Children Act) of serious emotional disturbance, has been an enigma for special education. This paper attempts to limit the interpretation of social maladjustment in order to counter effects of such decisions as…

In discussing ways in which schools can be more responsive to youth needs, the article outlines psychological principles used in successful vocational programs. The principles address student needs for meaningful learning materials, emotional involvement, novelty, and success. Factors of control along with freedom within structure are included in…

Discusses the necessity for schools to be responsive to the developmental needs of young adolescents in order to develop an effective learning environment. Analyzes the application of the Middle Grades Assessment Program to this effort, as exemplified in the case of the Francisco Middle School in San Francisco, California. (PGD)

This paper presents an expanded definition of school readiness that includes the skills children possess as they begin formal school as well as the ways that family backgrounds, preschool experiences, and primary-grade classrooms interact with children to point them toward school success or failure. The paper notes five dimensions of school…

Iowa teachers reflect on some of their experiences in teaching English as a second language to children of Indo-Chinese refugees who have settled in that state. Teachers must bridge the cultural gap between the child and his/her new nation. (PP)

A 56-year-old Canada Native took a college course on Australian Indigenous approaches to knowledge. He observed that initially many students were hindered by their past experience with linear paradigms of structured academic processes. Eventually they let their minds access spirit and feeling in addition to thought, allowing a recall of life…

A noted poet and professor offers advice to African American students on making the adjustment to a predominantly white college or university. Issues addressed include attendance patterns and study habits, relationships with faculty, cultivating friends and self-esteem, participation in campus life, and dealing with racism. (MSE)

Examines the role of law schools in creating emotionally dysfunctional students, and suggests ways in which they might act to produce healthier law students and practitioners, and perhaps a more functional legal system. Discusses lack of social and emotional support, lack of physical activity, and women's issues; offers problems and solutions for…

Perspectives on international educational exchange and the needs of foreign students for academic and career advising and assistance in adjusting to a new culture are considered. Obtaining a degree from an American higher education institution is highly desired by many persons in developing countries, and the high standards foreign students have…