Uses psychoanalytic and family systems theory to explore the following: (1) how college matriculation for first-generation college students is linked to multi-generational family dynamics; and (2) how these students reconcile (or do not reconcile) the often conflicting requirements of family membership and educational mobility. (Author/BJV)

Values inevitably enter educational inquiry, but they do not undermine the possibility of objectivity. Theoretical frameworks, even those that carry particular values, may be legitimately employed to explain educational phenomena. Mainstream research is systematically biased. (Author/BJV)

In a three-year study, each of 193 students was seen to employ lesson evading and lesson dissembling, as well as lesson engaging and lesson rejecting, in situations that were confusing, threatening, or boring. Choice of lesson tactic and frequency of employment varied widely. Implications for theory, research, and practice are discussed.…

Analyzes data from the Louisiana School Effectiveness Study to investigate classroom-level differences in effective and ineffective schools. Finds that teachers in effective schools scored higher on all dimensions of effective teaching. Discusses school-level variables contributing to these differences. (FMW)

The American military administration that governed Cuba from 1898 to 1909 foisted its own system of values on the subordinate population. American culture was imposed, with the schools as the vehicle of "Americanization." This article describes that imposition and considers its long-term impact. (Author/BJV)

A yearlong study of two mathematics teachers demonstrates that considerably more assignments were completed under a student-paced approach than under a teacher-paced approach. Pupils in the student-paced classes had higher levels of achievement; high-ability students demonstrated no gain under teacher-paced conditions. (Author/BJV)

Comparing the experiences of 1980 high school graduates with those from 1972 reveals that, among youth of low socioeconomic status, Blacks were somewhat more likely than Whites to enroll in four-year colleges; Hispanics evidence the lowest four-year attendance probability. Social background differences, gender differences, and cohort differences…

Assesses the effect of institutional integration, background, academic processes, and psychosocial variables on the probability of student transfer from two-year to four-year college. Sex, race/ethnicity, high school track, religion, and socioeconomic status have significant effects on the probability of transfer, as do holding a work-study job…

Introduces a collection of essays on literacy. Divides them into four sections: (1) attempts to define literacy and how it is valued in American society; (2) analyses of the development of reading skill; (3) assessments of reading and writing achievement in schools; (4) analysis of the critical issues in literacy instruction. (RDN)

Discusses differing meanings of literacy implicit in three metaphors, each rooted in assumptions about the social motivations for literacy, the nature of existing literacy practices, and judgments about which practices are critical for individual and social enhancement. Provides a study of the social meaning of literacy in a traditional society.…

Considers the motives for schools acquiring computers, three different ways in which computers may be relevant to instruction, and the extent to which they address broadly shared ideals for children's education. Also discusses the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction in drills and tutorials and the development of writing skills. (RDN)

Focuses on (1) the acquisition and use of word representations and (2) the acquisition of the alphabetic code. Urges that instruction provide conditions to promote the learning of three types of representation--word forms, letter patterns, and mapping. (RDN)

Describes two aspects of reading theory: a reader's background knowledge and the organization of text events and ideas. Illustrates how these aspects were applied to instructional design and discusses the results of this application. Includes recommendations on how to apply background knowledge and to create more comprehensible texts. (RDN)

Focuses on reading in the school domain and concludes that achievement in reading results from a combination of maturation, exposure, and instruction. Assesses the limits an successes of the instruction of reading in the U.S. and makes cross-national comparisons. (RDN)

Examines studies of literacy instruction in American schools during the past 10 years both in terms of the notions that guide current practice and in terms of recent conceptions of literacy. Concludes that current literacy instruction limits students. Proposes an alternative view of instruction grounded in the concept of instructional scaffolding.…