Sharon Nelson-Barber, a sociolinguist, directs Culture & Language in STEM Education within WestEd's Science and Engineering content area. She is co-founder of POLARIS--Pacific/Polar Opportunities to Learn, Advance and Research Indigenous Systems--a research and development network that supports healthy communities by integrating Indigenous…

In this article, we argue that policymakers in America should reference a coherent, comprehensive, and child-centered framework for children. That is, based on an extensive review of the empirical literature on the first two decades of life, we conclude that policies should address the needs of young people throughout the first two decades of…

Responds to Meara et al.'s (1996) article concerning virtue ethics on the issue of applying ethical standards as a means of responding sensitively to minority groups. Questions the definition of community and reliance on community values as a guiding principle, and suggests that psychologists generally choose theoretical orientations based on…

Proposes that three sets of variables must be analyzed in order to determine the growth and direction of the sociological study of ethnicity: (1) the diversification of theoretical approaches; (2) the innovation in research methods; and (3) the implications of community social policy concerns. Demonstrates this approach in research focusing on…

The theories of various neo-Marxist philosophers are examined for insight into their views of human nature that underlie educational proposals. Important education and social policy issues are explored by Marxist theorists. (DF)

This paper outlines current changes in American adoption practice and the controversies surrounding these changes. It includes a discussion of the role that neo-Kantian and utilitarian perspectives have played in American adoption policy and practice, and offers an alternative, the communitarian perspective, described by Sandel (1984). Adoption…

Reviews the present perceptions of interest group structure and function. Suggests ways that superintendents and school districts can best cope with and utilize interest groups without manipulating them. (Author/GC)

Cites the need for Hispanics to become involved in shaping U.S. foreign policy. Illegal immigration, Puerto Rican statehood, and relations with Cuba are discussed because they are of particular significance to the Hispanic community. (DS)

Discusses four elements involved in the formation of social policy. (MP)

Parent-citizen involvement is critical to the survival of public schools. The governance of the schools must be shared among all the participants in the educational process, especially parents. (Author/LD)

Compares and contrasts the goals and methods of community-oriented and individually oriented adult literacy programs to identify the ideological and methodological stances within each. Points out limitations of the distinction between the two and suggests ways that literacy educators can move beyond these limitations. (JOW)

Adults condemn violence but teach children to fight back. The message that aggression is legitimate causes grave harm to untold numbers of children and youth in our violent culture. Children are literally losing their lives trying to gain "respect" and preserve their "dignity." The author draws on extensive direct professional work with violent…

By integrating his personal experience as an elementary school principal with research data, the author explores forces affecting the role of principal in an inner-city setting. (MP)

Describes how, with the help of the federal government, a community in Portland, Oregon was able to rebuild a local elementary school following integration. (LRA)

This paper examines some probable reasons for the black adolescent male's contribution to increased pregnancy in the black community. Using a situation analysis, it presents the following testable suppositions: (1) black males' fear of retribution for impregnating a girl has diminished, leading to increased sexual intercourse and ultimately to…