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…

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…

An urgent need exists in teacher education programs to discern how technology-enhanced instruction with a constructivist orientation can be utilized in the design of dynamic, powerful learning communities. This article provides a conceptual framework that augments understanding of the effectiveness of technology infusion in teacher education. The…

Reviews the historical background of special education as a major factor in the placement of many children with disabilities, and examines data that reveal a disproportionately large number of students in these programs are children of color. Suggestions are offered to help lead to a more equitable placement of all children in appropriate…

Abstinence-only programs for preventing teen pregnancy are the only options in some states but are the programs of choice in others. Effectiveness data, however, are lacking. The SOS Adolescent Family Life Program (SOS), an abstinence-only teen pregnancy prevention program, was implemented in south central Louisiana. Peer mentoring with an…

A review of the research and a look at some assumptions about charter schools suggests that charter schools do have the potential to help teachers improve instruction. The effectiveness of charter school reforms emerges from common focus and a certain level of teacher self-determination. (SLD)