The lack of intercultural competencies among secondary preservice and in-service students is one of the most significant issues facing education today. As schools, colleges, and university programs attempt to embrace the increasingly diverse student populations, mission statements have been revised and diversity initiatives designed to reflect…

To be successful in a global economy, U.S. candidates must possess international knowledge, intercultural communication skills, and global perspectives to effectively teach diverse student populations. Unfortunately, teacher education programs have not prepared candidates to be internationally competent leaders for the future. Schools of education…

This article examines the pervasive difficulties experienced by first-generation students in their quest to attend postsecondary settings. A change in the profile of the undergraduate student body has changed dramatically with respect to first-generation students' age, enrollment status, and family conditions. These students are likely to enter…

Background: Body image refers to an individual's thoughts and feelings about his or her body and physical appearance. To date, several qualitative and quantitative findings implicate sociocultural influences, such as the media or parental pressure, in shaping female adolescents' body image perceptions. Overall, there is not much quantitative…

Classroom teachers and reading specialists have attempted to determine the most effective ways of working with struggling readers. Early intervention and quality instruction are the keys to assisting these struggling readers; however, determining how and where intervention-based instruction should occur is still a concern. Struggling readers need…

Teacher education programs are at a critical link for the preparation of teachers who possess an ethical stance regarding the knowledge, skills, and dispositions required to intervene effectively with all students. Therefore, teacher education is taking center stage in the discussion relevant to teacher quality and its effectiveness on the…

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the perceptions of technology integration by 90 entry level students in a teacher education program. During their field experience placement, candidates observed teachers' integration of technology in the classroom. During the final week of observation, the candidates completed a modified…

In the context of the diminishing numbers of African American teachers in special education, reviews the literature relevant to the disparity between the cultures of educators and students, the subjugation of minority students into inequitable learning environments, ineffective teacher recruiting practices, and the inability to provide…

Examines salient issues concerning African-American students' overrepresentation in special education and identifies critical teacher, student, and program variables abetting this process. Few teachers are equipped to deal with different cultures, languages, lifestyles, and values, although white, middle-class kids from two-parent families are…

Minority students' failure is costly, resulting in increases in remedial instruction and numbers of students held back or tracked in low-ability classes. Equitable opportunities will be ensured by creating equitable structures; selecting a diverse, committed faculty; valuing all students; providing equitable funding; and garnering stakeholder…

Reviews the literature on the political context of school desegregation, including: the effect of federal involvement, the impact of policy on equitable opportunities for urban children; school reform and school achievement; and equity and accountability. Addresses the compatibility of educational improvement strategies and achievement in the…

If teachers represent a child's most important asset, they also can be a child's greatest liability, especially in states where a shortage of well-qualified teachers impedes the academic progress of African American students in learning contexts. The author asserts that a transformation in practices must occur in teacher education programs if…

Describes an objective, reliable method for functionally measuring cursive handwriting. Researchers assessed the sensitivity of a functional response-class definition to differentiate easy-to-read from difficult-to-read cursive handwriting. Results showed no overlap between the categories. There was small sample-to-sample variability with the…

Examines the failure of colleges of education to address racial diversity and teacher preparation issues. Research supports that teacher immediacy, or communication that facilitates physical and psychological closeness, positively influences teacher effectiveness, credibility, and the teacher/student relationship. Teacher trainers must become bold…

Discusses the realities of urban schools, reviewing school reform as an instrument for change, highlighting a public urban district and its approach to addressing equity issues, and examining the literature relevant to after-school programming as a viable urban reform initiative. Concludes with suggestions regarding desegregation remedies and…