Parent advocates play a key role in driving forward the debate and critical analysis of what constitutes professional knowledge in special education. The results of the study indicate that a burgeoning confidence and status might be attached to parental knowledge and expertise that could widen the traditional boundaries confined by the…

Utilizing a consensus decision-making strategy, teachers and an administrator from Parkway Central Middle School (PCMS) (Missouri) selected a two-part mission: (1) to establish an atmosphere where students demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, and all adults; and (2) to evaluate, revise, develop, and implement a new discipline plan that…

This qualitative study examined the role played by race in the college choice behavior of a group of minority females. It examines the college aspirations and decision making processes of Black female college-bound students and the influences of their parents, friends, college counselors, teachers, and school staff. Subjects were 50 students at 3…

This study examined whether recent graduates of the Northfield Public Schools (Minnesota) had acquired the skills necessary to make successful transitions to adulthood and postsecondary education. Survey responses (n=146) were obtained from two recently graduated classes 3 years after graduation and from graduates of the Alternative Learning…

This report summarizes results of a survey of special educators regarding first, their working conditions related to central office support and, second, the impact of administrative support on their job satisfaction, commitment, and intent to leave. Major findings regarding teacher attitudes toward central office administrators include a perceived…

This paper provides case studies in role change proceeding from description of a school-wide initiative to a teacher education methods class to individual students and their classroom teachers. All the case studies examine the changing roles of teachers, students, and professors within a climate of shared decision making, student/teacher…

Upward mobility programs in the service sector for low-skilled, economically disadvantaged, and dislocated or displaced workers promote employment security, career development, and productivity. Two basic types of upward mobility programs are basic and job-specific skills training. Although 60-80 percent of all employer-sponsored formal training…

The role of family in educational and occupational decisions was examined for 2,118 students from 11 school districts and 3 community colleges in Texas. Sixty-six percent were Mexican American, 20 percent were Caucasian, and 14 percent were of other ethnic backgrounds. In all, 1,406 Mexican American students were surveyed; 55 of the 187 community…

New Chance was designed as a research and demonstration program to improve the economic status and general well-being of highly disadvantaged young women and their children. The program was directed toward mothers aged 16 to 22 who were high school dropouts and receiving welfare. Sixteen sites in 10 states that had some prior experience in serving…

Research suggests that adolescents as young as 13 years old reason about such abstract rights as freedom of speech and religion. It is unclear whether such reasoning develops earlier. Also unclear is the role of adults as agents in inculating in children the adults' views on such rights. A study examined 184 Canadian students in the first, third,…

This paper reports on a study of the curricular development in the ABC Unified School District in Southern California, over a span of 10-15 years, in response to an increase in limited-English-speaking students and legislative mandates. The case study was conducted through document review, observations, and interviews. The study focuses on key…

This document studies the role of unions and management in vocational training in France. Through an analysis of existing and historical structures governing cooperation and coordination between the social partners and the public bodies responsible for vocational education and training, an in-depth investigation was carried out and proposals for…

This document studies the role of unions, management, and education agencies (the social partners) in vocational education and training in the United Kingdom. Through an analysis of existing and historical structures governing cooperation and coordination between the social partners and the public bodies responsible for vocational education and…

To illustrate the theoretical dynamics involved in analysis of the process of "metasensing," this paper investigates the language of 22 elementary school principals and their strategic actions during school improvement programs. The study's grounded theory approach frames the principals'"epistemology of practice"--thereby…

Five workshop presentations on career development--trends and implications are "Work and Society: Implications for Counselor Education" (Herr); "Major Trends in Career Development Theory and Practice: Implications for Counselor Education" (Gysbers); "Career Development: The Home and Family" (Otto); "Career Development in Business and Industry"…