In 2005, a group of concerned parents who had arrived in the United States as refugees from war-torn Somalia received approval from their local school district to establish the Iftin Charter School (ICS). The K-8 school continues to engender hope and intellectual strength in its students and parents. ICS finds itself uniquely equipped to meet the…

Previous studies on the role of the school in influencing attainment in South African schools have concluded that the inequalities which are known to exist in these are still largely due to the legacy of the Apartheid system. More recently, policy focus has been on narrowing the gap between the attainment of different socio-economic groups by…

Dwayne is a Grade 6 student who came to Canada from Jamaica at the age of seven. Upon arrival in a new school Dwayne had to adapt to a new culture. In addition, Dwayne was identified as having severe behavioural problems and learning difficulties, and it was recommended within the first month of school that the boy be medicated in order for him to…

Background: The introduction of a new National Curriculum in post-apartheid South Africa heralded a different approach in education. This curriculum not only advocated the development of knowledge and skills, but also emphasised education for democracy and citizenship. It seeks to balance central control (and a single curriculum) with local…

Analyzes the ethnic and social class distributions of 1,572 sixth graders in 40 public elementary schools in greater Noumea, New Caledonia. Finds clear patterns of ethnic and class segregation reflecting residential patterns but intensified by White student transfers to the most desirable schools. Contains 26 references and 6 tables. (SV)

This curriculum unit is designed to allow students to evaluate the social, cultural, political, and economic changes occurring in South Africa. Specially prepared portfolios serve as mini-museums and historical archives for study. Examples of historical and contemporary popular culture are included. Numerous documents, activities and resources are…