This book presents case studies of six "pockets of hope," democratic educational projects in which empowered students and their teachers actively engage with relevant academic and social problems. Although seemingly very different, the projects share a core commitment to democratic pedagogy and demonstrate practices consistent with…

A proposed model for preservice teacher practicums, the Reflective and Critical Internship Program, is designed to encourage students to voice their concerns and produce their own solutions to classroom issues, particularly in relation to classroom management. Within this model, the problem-solving process is both individual and collective.…

Sexual harassment is prevalent on both school and college campuses. Parents and educators can eliminate sexual harassment in schools by teaching students to be assertive and report offensive behavior to an adult, documenting children's encounters with sexual harassment, checking with other parents, and filing a formal complaint. Schools need…

Drawing on the experience of a program that trained adult international students as teachers for U.S. urban classrooms, this article explores ways to empower these teacher candidates in classrooms in which they are in a minority and how their contributions can educate the dominant culture as the text or teacher cannot. (SLD)

Argues that giving voice to students with learning disabilities is requisite of moral education. Explains that schools practicing student marginalization abrogate their moral responsibility. Presents cases of two students with opposing needs who attend schools with diametrically different philosophies toward learning disabilities. Evaluates…

Explains a case study in Retrospective Miscue Analysis (RMA), a process which enables readers to discuss the underlying logic of their miscues. Concludes that RMA is a powerful tool in crafting and guiding reading instruction. Notes that when the student subject was encouraged to use reading strategies that worked for him, he became empowered as a…

Describes the American Social History Project/Center for Media and Learning, discussing the importance of sustained professional development and collaboration in achieving reflective practice and teacher change and describing how social and cultural history and literature and innovative critical pedagogy work together to enrich curricula, advance…

A program of intervention called therapeutic tutoring to help underachievers is described. Intervention centers around students' loci of control, through a process of identifying areas in which students feel empowered and relating academic experiences to these areas. Academic exercises based on Monopoly, cricket, rugby, soap operas, field hockey,…

Discusses the benefits of using young adult literature and trade books when teaching social studies to middle school students, especially in relation to student motivation and reading level. Addresses how to use young adult literature, student choice of books, and cooperative learning. Describes two classroom activities for a follow-up to…

Investigates to what extent the school-level environment in Catholic schools differs from government schools in Australia. Results indicated that Catholic schools were not superior to government schools except in the areas of empowerment and mission consensus. Describes study methodology and provides tables of data. (YKH)

Highlights the experiences of three females (who were members of peer-led literature discussion groups) to examine notions of empowerment, student voice, and student silence. Finds that the discussion groups appeared to enact different conceptions of power. Discusses implications for instruction and research. (PA)

A study examining student feelings of empowerment in a rural Midwestern consolidated high school surveyed 54 students. Results indicate that students from the town where the school was located felt the most ownership in the school; most students were satisfied with the student council; and students were more involved in decision making in…

Explores an eight-week inquiry into the use of Retrospective Miscue Analysis (RMA) between the authors and a struggling reader in a juvenile corrections center. Outlines preparation for the RMA sessions. Finds powerful potential for empowering at-risk and troubled readers by exploring their existing strengths and from them developing greater…

This article provides guidelines and examples of effective use of inclusive language to empower students. Recommendations include focusing on the individual rather than the disability, articulating high expectations for all students, describing students in terms of academic achievements, and providing opportunities for all students to assume…

Explores an art education program offered in two aged-care homes in South Australia. Examines the argument for the establishment of gerogogy (education for older adults). Addresses considerations of art education for older adults, the research approach, the learning model that emerged, teaching, and recommendations for further research. (CMK)