Examines reflections of 71 preservice teachers as they tutored literacy in a predominantly Hispanic American, low-income school. Finds the experience of working one-on-one with a student positively influenced preservice teachers' content and procedural knowledge and self-confidence as teachers. Suggests tutors' strong emotional ties with students…

A survey with a list of 31 words that are commonly used as scale labels for the evaluation of medical student performance was mailed to 132 instructors who teach in family practice preceptorships. Data analysis consisted of generating median, twenty-fifth percentile, and seventy-fifth percentile values for each label. (MLW)

Uses a general theory of domain identification to describe achievement barriers faced by women in advanced quantitative areas and African Americans in school. Research with approximately 250 African American college students and standardized test scores show the effects of stereotype threat on the achievement of these groups. (SLD)

Argues that findings from interviews with basic writing students cast new light on the responsibilities teachers have toward basic writers. Suggests that teachers must help students understand what it means to be a basic writer and can help writers contest and refute their labels through the curricula in the writing courses. (NH)

This article reports on a British study that examined the connotations of several special education labels (abnormality, deficit, impairment, disability, learning difficulties, and special educational needs) to experienced teachers, trainee teachers, and trainee educational psychologists (total N=220). All three groups rated "special…

This book provides a sociological and historical analysis of the evolution and demise of a state college's educational opportunity program, the goal of which was to compensate for unequal pre-college education and provide equal opportunities for economically and educationally disadvantaged students. The program was an example of a special…

Educators should be aware that recent rhetoric about diversity in this country often does not consider the continuing discrimination and mistreatment of Asians. Simply put, the employment situation for Asian and Pacific Americans is characterized by underemployment and the channeling of Asians into a narrow range of jobs. Many people today have…

Psychological masks can become the accepted facade of people who struggle to camouflage their real selves. Sometimes parents label a child as "lazy" or "stupid"; teachers may follow suit by labeling a child "slow learner" or "uncooperative." Healthy self-esteem is based on three main concepts: "I am…

To investigate reactions to violence between intimate partners, 125 undergraduates (68 males, 57 females) completed a three-part questionnaire. The instrument assessed general attitudes about violence between intimates, respondents' personal history as victim or abuser, and their willingness to use the label "battering". In addition, 24…

Two groups of teachers viewed a videotape depicting the social interaction of an eight-year-old boy. One group was told the boy's parents were divorced; the other group that his home was intact. Teachers rated the divorced child more negatively on happiness, emotional adjustment, and coping with stress. (Author/RD)

Reports on two projects appropriate for undergraduate courses in the sociology of deviance, specifically courses emphasizing the labeling or symbolic interactionist perspective. The first project involves the use of confessional novels, and the second draws on the experiences of students regarding their own stigmas. (Author)

Problems of affirmative action programs in labeling minority group students as such are discussed from the viewpoint of a Mexican American who does not think of himself as disadvantaged but who was given special consideration and opportunities due to his label. (LBH)

University students presented with a description of a stimulus person whose title of address was varied (Ms., Mrs., Miss, or Mr.) conveyed their impressions on semantic differential ratings and life outcome ratings. Found women who preferred the title Ms. appeared more achievement oriented, socially assertive, and dynamic, but less interpersonally…

Studied employment discrimination against criminal offenders. College students (N=106) reviewed job applications of 16 hypothetical applicants. Results showed a clear and systematic bias against offenders in general, regardless of relative qualifications, and regardless of whether the person was only arrested or actually convicted of charges. (WAS)

Suggests ways to dealing with the ethical questions that trouble students about the Holocaust. (JL)