Award-winning science author and Harvard professor Stephen Jay Gould shares some views on education and contemporary American culture. Gould's most enthusiastic school memory is singing in an all-city chorus. Harvard students are bright and motivated but have no shared culture, historical perspective, or foreign language proficiency. Gould favors…

The article is an adaptation of a script accompanying a videotape on the life and work of Leta Hollingworth (1886-1939). Stressed are her early career, interest in the psychology of women including her doctoral dissertation, her research refuting common views of female inferiority, and her final months. (DB)

The article looks at the work of psychologist and educator, Leta Hollingworth (1886-1939), in dispelling beliefs of the time concerning female psychology, especially the variability hypothesis which saw females as having less variation in ability than males and thus being less capable of high achievement. (DB)

Biographies provide the opportunity for identification, not only with those who are great today but also with those who have lived greatly in the past. Biographies fulfill students' needs for identification with someone who is admirable. Examples of inspiring life stories, sources of such stories, and questions are included. (JD)

"The Executive Educator" inaugurates its "Profiles in Excellence" series by honoring 10 schools and principals who have made outstanding efforts to increase parents' involvement in their children's education. Chosen by a panel of preeminent judges, this year's winners, from eastern and midwestern states, will each receive an…

This short biography highlights the achievements of Mary McLeod Bethune who started a college for black women in Florida, organized the National Council for Negro Women, and advised President Franklin D. Roosevelt. (LZ)

After conducting 10 interviews with outstanding educators for the "Educational Leadership" portrait series, the author realized his subjects had more in common than extraordinary achievement. They shared patterns constituting a leitmotif in their careers--characteristics such as vision, tenacity, recursiveness, time commitment, and…

A conference commemorating the 400th anniversary of Comenius's birth was held in Prague in March 1992. The Czech scholar's basic premise was the panharmony of the universe (among nature, humankind, and the divine world). He integrated the elements of methodological, philosophical, theological, political, and social reform by stressing their…

Reviews 15 recent books on Shakespeare appropriate for secondary school teachers and students, including books on films of Shakespeare's plays, a teacher's guide, companions for the plays, acting editions, narrative versions of several plays, a biography, a study of Elizabethan England, and a book of trivia. An elementary-level video is also…

Seymour Papert's brainchild LOGO is present in at least one-third of American classrooms and has expanded internationally to enhance learning in small Latin American towns and rural Soviet schools. His latest project involves teaching 18 Boston public school teachers to program and helping students learn in a computer-rich environment. (MLH)

Presents learning activities to foster understanding of self-taught art, an often misunderstood genre. Focuses on works of four Alabama artists (Charlie Lucas, Lonnie Holley, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Sybil Gibson). Includes photos of their works, a description of the art object, a brief biography of the artist, discussion questions, and suggested…

Describes how the proverb, "When the fish stinks, say that it stinks" permeates the author's writing of biographies of well-known American "heroes" for young readers. Points out the writer's obligation to illuminate both the negative and positive character and behavior of the people he or she writes about, offering examples from the author's…

The authors examine the concept of subjectification, using Judith Butler's theorizing of subjection to investigate their memories of being subjected in school settings and analyze subjectification. Their collective biography highlights aspects of the achievement of the individual appropriated schoolgirl subject who simultaneously constitutes…

This article offers suggestions for using biographies of famous women aviators with gifted students. Aviators suggested include Ruth Law, Jacqueline Cochran, Bessie Coleman, Beryl Markham, and Amelia Earhart. Teaching suggestions include creative book sharing, integration with map work, and student projects based on these lives. (Contains…

Introduces five articles that advocate using children's literature to explore ethical issues and behaviors with students. Constance Perry summarizes research on moral/ethical development. Linda Lamme recommends fiction and biographies with subtle messages. Yvonne Siu-Runyan emphasizes multicultural literature. Bonnie Blake-Kline stresses zigzag…