Children develop language-related abilities simultaneously from infancy onward, and the conditions that promote first language learning are the same conditions that promote total literacy development: a social context involving immersion, approximation, opportunity to practice, feedback, and modeling. Intended for teachers, reading specialists,…

This study examined the lives of 10 individuals with blindness or severe visual impairment who maintained competitive employment despite their vision loss. The study was designed to provide information regarding the personal characteristics and current practices related to work environment alterations which enhance competitive employment…

Using data from the Higher Education Research Institute, this study sought to create a profile that would identify college faculty involved in creating a curriculum that is more inclusive on racial and ethnic issues and to identify individual and institutional factors that facilitate efforts toward multicultural course content. The study analyzed…

This book consists of the personal narratives of 14 women who discussed their experiences as construction workers in interviews that were conducted between November 1991 and April 1994. The information provided by the women is organized thematically, beginning with their decision to enter the construction industry. Special attention is paid to the…

A study addressed educational and psychological issues raised by the phenomenal growth of Irish-medium pre-schools ("naionrai"). Data were gathered in surveys of almost 2,000 parents, over 170 teachers and advisors, and 225 children in 25 Irish-medium pre-schools in both "Gaeltacht" (Irish-speaking districts) and…

Based on one middle school teaching team's curriculum improvement project, this monograph makes a case for actively involving students in all aspects of the teaching/learning process by means of a student-oriented curriculum. The goal of the project described was to provide an opportunity for students to study thematic units, working cooperatively…

This book, which is intended for trainers responsible for teaching workplace diversity, brings together the voices of 17 individuals currently engaged in diversity education. The following topics are examined in the book's five parts: identity, preparation, and the experience of being classified as "different"; the nature of diversity…

The plight of students learning language simultaneously with content material, particularly math, spurred this study of the power of socioculturally based pedagogy, such as Instructional Conversation (IC), to increase Spanish-speaking minority students' acquisition of English math lexicon and concepts. This article describes a series of four ICs…

This compilation contains 14 fact sheets published by the Adult Learning & Literacy Clearinghouse. It includes an unnumbered fact sheet from January and these numbers from February: 0, 3-10, 12, 14, 16, and 17. Topics are as follows: the Even Start Family Literacy Program, Federal Adult Education and Literacy Program; adult education for…

Focusing on teaching and learning (the learning process rather than selection of learning content), this book provides a comprehensive perspective on the process of adult and higher education. Part 1 explores the transactional relationship between the personal reflective world of the learner and the collaborative shared world of the educational…

Continuous quality improvement (CQI) models, which were first applied in business, are critical to making new technology-based learning paradigms and flexible learning environments a reality. The following are among the factors that have facilitated CQI's application in education: increased operating costs; increased competition from private…

The Department of Public Instruction is actively involved in efforts to improve the school experience and educational outcomes in Wisconsin. Chapter 1, "What Are the Characteristics of Successful Schools?" examines the seven characteristics of successful schools, which describe the school environment, goals, and management strategies and…

This early childhood curriculum (ages 3-6) uses games, music, art, drama, and storytelling to teach young children effective, nonviolent ways to resolve conflicts and provides caregivers with tools for helping young children develop key conflict resolution skills. Following an introductory chapter, Chapter 2 provides guidance in assessing the…

Noting that early childhood education is recognized as critical to a child's educational career, this 7-part videotape series focuses on developmentally appropriate practices in the components of quality early childhood programs, providing an opportunity for acquiring working knowledge, observing classroom models, and reflecting on one's own…

A study examined key determinants of apprentice and trainee employment in small and medium-sized enterprises that play an increasing role in providing employment-based training in Australia. It used unit record data from four waves of the Australian Bureau of Statistics business growth and performance surveys 1994-95 to 1997-98, which sent…