This paper addresses the movement to "improve" schools by means of legislating mandatory testing and then publishing students' results in local newspapers and on the Internet. Students who attend schools where the standards are not met are often the ones who would benefit most from a broad-based language arts program. These students are…

There is very little research on the phenomena surrounding the life stories and experiences of teen parents who completed their associate's degree. This dissertation is a case study that tells the life stories of five teen parents who graduated from the Cincinnati Branch of Chatfield College with an associate's degree. Narrative Inquiry provides…

Homeroom "power" (the capability to affect students' feelings, attitudes, or behaviors) varies by meeting frequency and length, amount of student turnover, faculty members' length of assignment with one group of students, and number of allotted tasks. Homerooms can be revived to promote a communitarian spirit and serve students' need for…

Describes three social studies projects tackled by students at the Bronx High School of Science: an extracredit activity on doing business in Manhattan, a citizen-participation project on fixing the United States, and a cooperative activity to identify problems common to Tokyo and New York City. Using the Internet to solve real-world problems…

This article describes the Wings Mentor Program in Maryland, a program developed to provide additional support to students with gifts who also have learning disabilities and highly able students who were not succeeding in the classroom. Students realize their creative and intellectual potential when paired with mentors who nurture them. (Contains…

Considers the relationship of teacher questioning to resultant student questions in a whole language, literature-based classroom. Finds that the teacher provided numerous opportunities for students to continually formulate questions, helping students to master the difficult art of asking questions at different levels of inquiry. (RS)

Describes the preparation, implementation, and results of a classroom cross-age tutoring project, which involved third and fourth graders reading books to younger students. Discusses evolution of project: students' lesson plans became more student-centered and complex over time, tutors assumed responsibility for younger children, and their…

This article discusses the negative effects of criticizing a child's teacher in front of the child and the positive effects of modeling a healthy respect of the educational system. Study findings are discussed which indicate high-achieving children saw themselves as active partners with their teachers or coaches, not empty vessels. (Contains 6…

Describes Electronic Networks for Interaction (ENFI), a local area network project developed at Gallaudet University to empower students with hearing impairments. Notes that this project can be adapted easily for use with traditional students. (MM)

Asserts that a student-writing portfolio can be a powerful tool for writing instruction. Describes how students compile a portfolio, and the types of writing included. Discusses the use of collaboration in the writing process and methods of assessment. (PRA)

As educators introduce new technology into a district, school, or classroom, it is important to take advantage of children's natural ability, enthusiasm, and willingness to master new skills. Certain activities such as journal writing, picture-digitizing projects, and designated student experts help place the power of technology squarely in…

Campus-activities programs are encouraged to make special efforts to teach student volunteers basic business skills to guide their thinking and decision-making in program administration. The program, its staff, students, institution, and associate members all benefit. A model for training and empowering students is outlined. (MSE)

Presents young adult literature as a solution to empower students and to make reading literacy attainable for middle and senior high school students who have not become fluent readers. Discusses the importance of accessing the student's own culture and outlines the criteria books should have to mirror the world of adolescents. (SC)

Examines potential ways to view bilingual education in a more liberatory perspective. Summarizes the global, historical context of bilingual education, and outlines principles and features of six models of formal bilingual education. Discusses how language use in school can empower or disable language minority students. Views bilingualism as a…

Describes a four-week unit developed by the author to teach her at-risk high school students assertive communication as a means of empowerment, a way of taking control of situations. Describes organizing the content and implementing the curriculum, and notes students' positive and enthusiastic feedback. (SR)