This paper begins from the premise that, while there is much to be learned from research, it should also be recognized that there is a need for research methodologies and theoretical frames that provide the possibility of more local explanations for the dilemmas and problems facing urban education. The paper contends that situated understandings…

As a starting point in exploring issues of how texts and discourses are affiliated with differing kinds and levels of cultural capital and social power in institutional contexts, this paper considers the experiences of the Hartford (Connecticut) school district to provide definitions of literacy, discourse, and textuality, and their application to…

An overview of Alex Kotlowitz' book "There Are No Children Here" substantiates his claim that the United States is moving toward two separate and unequal societies--one black and one white. His book recounts the story of two boys (and their mother) who live in the Henry Horner Housing Project in Chicago. The mother believes in the power…

Describes two projects that incorporated inquiry into urban educational settings. Offers practical considerations for employing technology-enhanced inquiry in the classroom and discusses broader theoretical issues related to the contribution of technology to literacy learning and motivation when students ask their own significant learning…

The new literacy goes beyond the requirements for a high school diploma, including capacities once demanded only of a privileged, college-bound elite. This book concerns this new, higher literacy and whether current educational restructuring efforts are likely to foster such literacy in all students. The study used informal interviewing techniques…

The initiative and activities carried out by 29 countries in Latin and South America and the Caribbean in the UNESCO Major Project in the Field of Education to correct deficiencies and meet unsatisfied basic educational needs are summarized. Many summaries reflect revisions made during 1983 in National Plans of Action with respect to enhancing…

Using the example of the African-American community and its own distinctive voice, argues that schools can draw upon routine practices within the cultural life of communities to enhance the literature students' skills. This paper explores "signifying" and links between literature and talk in the African-American community. (JB)

This training manual is designed for use by volunteers, tutors, teachers, and education and training program coordinators who wish to adapt basic literacy instructional skills to street youth. It is not intended to be a stand-alone training program for new volunteer tutors. Major goals are the following: (1) to re-engage street youth in the…

This manual explains the role and responsibilities of case managers employed by social service agencies participating in the Takin' It to the Streets program in Portland (Oregon). It is a companion volume to "Basic Skills Training for Street Youth: A Manual for Volunteer Tutors." Takin' It to the Streets is a volunteer project designed…

This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. The 14 titles deal with a variety of topics, including the following: (1) the influence of black nonstandard English on how a person is perceived, (2) Navajo language maintenance and shift, (3) the relationship of the syntactical…