A basic writing course instructor attempted to facilitate her students' survival in the academy by demystifying writing conventions while teaching them how to analyze discourses about literacy, especially in relation to cultural and economic forces. Students were asked to design an ideal basic writing course as a final journal assignment.…

This digest summarizes impacts of the Brown decision on school segregation and the educational condition of rural African American students today. In the 1990s, over 90 percent of rural African Americans live in the South and continue to suffer from high poverty rates and low educational attainment. In 1954, the Supreme Court decision in Brown et…

This book contains 12 graphic organizers to use with a technique called the "triple-agenda lesson," a single lesson or unit that integrates the graphic organizers as a tool for promoting thoughtful study of course content in a cooperative learning structure. The goal of this technique is to empower each learner to become self-directed…

This paper reports the results of a survey study of the perceptions of a small sample of teachers about the benefits of providing students with instructional choice. Instructional choice was defined as a conscious decision of the teacher to grant the student some degree of control over either the content or the activity of learning. Teachers in…

This book about classroom management provides teachers with information on how to help students become the kind of people they want them to be. It offers a guide to the Responsive Classroom approach, a social and emotional learning program that creates an ideal environment for learning. Section 1, "Building a Learning Community,"…

Discusses the use of reflective practice through the keeping of learning journals by students in higher degree courses in education. Presents two models for reflecting on personal, academic, professional, and evaluative development, guidelines for the content of learning journals, and an evaluation of their contributions to notions of student…

Presents a case study action research project that considers how purposeful emphasis on emotional awareness could potentially influence the feelings of self-confidence and empowerment, which are two demonstrations of emotional growth. Suggests that a significant factor in promoting the emotional development of students is the genuine interest of…

The inability of standardized, English-based tests to adequately assess the abilities and potential of deaf secondary school students has led to creating innovative, realistic assessment strategies. Goals are to empower students to develop decision-making skills, evaluate their critical thinking, and promote lifelong learning through use of…

Describes a study examining the effect of the Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership on the lives and careers of 15 recipients. Indicates that recipients felt that winning the award was empowering in terms of personal attitudes, career position, and influencing others within their field. (MAB)

Discusses how Discovering in Mathematics course at Hobart and William Smith colleges undoes damage done to women's sense of themselves as failed mathematics learners during their precollege years. Notes that course helps students who have previously had difficulty with or who dislike mathematics by paying special attention to barriers encountered…

Current efforts to create safe schools concentrate on peace-keeping and peace-making strategies (negative peace), that may enforce mutual mistrust and marginalize "suspicious" persons. Peace building tries to build beloved communities by providing nonviolent ways to empower students, model appropriate behaviors, and manage conflicts.…

Discusses the development of self-advocacy in adolescents with learning disabilities and describes eight guidelines for creating collaborative communications among teachers, parents, and students. Guidelines stress the importance of using portfolios for monitoring progress, encouraging parents to volunteer, having students evaluate themselves, and…

Computer technology can empower students if they have the tools to find their way through print and online sources. This article describes how a reference librarian and a faculty instructor collaborated to teach research strategies and critical thinking skills (including analysis and evaluation of resources) in a large university classroom using a…

Twelve case studies describe the kinds of decisions that young people with disabilities and their families have to make as they prepare to leave school. The seven types of decision-making processes that are identified attempt to describe some of these complexities as experienced by young people and their parents. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article addresses the ongoing need to access the power of self-determination. A definition of self-determination is provided, along with a description of key components. Examples are provided for implementing effective self-determination skills though the use of a case study, an action plan, and list of best practices. (Contains references.)…