Explains growth pole theory, which is the theory that growth manifests itself at poles of growth, rather than everywhere at once. Applies this theory to community college development, and offers advice for implementing growth poles by taking an entrepreneurial approach to education. (NB)

The sociocultural paradigm in educational research, emphasizing the situatedness of learning and the embeddedness of thought in cultural and linguistic practices, has called into question the plausibility of the enterprise of teaching general thinking skills. In this paper I argue that the sociocultural research programme needs an adequate…

Educational administration, like many other social sciences, has traditionally followed the rubrics of classical science with its emphasis on prediction and control and attempts to understand the whole by understanding in ever finer detail how the parts fit together. However, the "new" science (especially quantum mechanics, complexity,…

Three theoretical perspectives guide this discussion of teacher development: symbolic interactionism, critical social theory, and theories of postmodernity. Drawing on these perspectives, key dimensions of teacher development can be addressed. Good teaching involves competence in technical skills, but it also involves moral purpose; emotional…

American race relations theory is applied to the conceptualization of assimilation in America and to problems in planning in higher education desegregation. Black colleges can be viewed as microcosms of American race relations in their patterns of conflict, accommodation, and assimilation. The conflict over the propriety of black colleges' claims…

The implications of the funding crisis in American postsecondary education for critical teaching are considered, and potential transformations in the role of professional sociologists and the legitimate uses of social science knowledge are addressed. The structural basis for the uneven distribution of funding for the social, physical, and natural…

Changes in California's public school Hispanic teacher employment practices and the contribution of bilingual categorical funding and regulations to these practices in the period 1967-1980 are described and interpreted. The paper attempts to clarify these related issues of fact and interpretation by first describing the relative levels and…

Presents a hypothesis about what is characteristically North American in social theory, proceeding from three concepts that recur throughout the theology and cosmology of aboriginal Americans: individual conscience, universal kinship, and the endless creative power of the world. Concludes that from an aboriginal American perspective, industrial…

This book attempts to link academic theory and research on educational practices and organizational administration to classroom practices. Written within the framework of the social and behavioral sciences, it describes and critiques concepts, analytical tools, case material, and organizational theory and behavior from the public, business, and…

This working paper is a product of a regional study in industrial South Wales of the determinants of participation and non-participation in post-compulsory education and training, with special reference to processes of change in the patterns of these determinants over time and to variations between geographical areas. Discussion begins with an…

Describes uniqueness of "family realm" from other human experience spheres and implications in regard to family phenomena theories. Concludes, from five position papers presented, that "family" theories originating from nonfamily realms have significant limitations. Suggests "family realm" concept is helpful in evaluating current theories and…

Critical theory is applied to determine why larger numbers of children are now identified as having special needs; acquiring such labels is found to be the result of complex social, economic, and political considerations. Explanations for educational problems are offered at three levels: personal/interpersonal, environmental/institutional, and…

Maintains that social science mistakenly has emphasized symmetry (social forces that correct disequilibrium and maintain balance) over asymmetry (antithetical forces that support and embody divergent thinking). Calls for a more open, intuitive, and creative approach to research and methodology. (MJP)

Explores intellectual differences in Asian American Studies theorizing in the wake of social, political, and economic change in the United States. The authors highlight three themes that define the current wave of thinking theory in this arena. (GR)

Considers perestroika's implications for Soviet recognition of sources of human motivation. Critically examines how the collectivist ideology endemic to twentieth-century Russian history failed to consider human nature. Attributes Soviet economic problems to a disregard of the need for individual autonomy and dignity. Calls for a reconsideration…