Fourth and fifth graders who had completed the mile-run physical fitness test were interviewed to determine what they thought, felt, and knew about the test. Students reported little understanding of why they had to complete the test. They viewed it as a painful, negative experience that was little fun. (SM)

Reports a study of a gifted and a learning-disabled sixth grader and their constructions of and responses to their physical education teacher's grading practices. Interviews indicated they experienced similar emotional reactions to the physical education environment (frustration and disappointment over their grades and desire to eliminate grades…

The study described here examined whether using formative assessment would affect middle school physical education students' self-perceptions of effort and skill. Students completed questionnaires about effort and skill following assessment in various activities. Formative assessment did not affect students' self-perceptions. Students believed…

Field observations of and interviews with 13 low-skilled 6th graders in physical education indicated that they all exhibited symptoms of learned helplessness. Students had knowledge of being low-skilled, and they experienced teachers communicating low expectations to them. Students were unwilling to expend effort to learn skills, so they were…

A case study of one female middle school student examined her tendency toward learned helplessness. Observations and interviews with the student and her teachers indicated that she lacked confidence; her belief that she could not change her intellectual and social situation was pervasive. Approaches to intervention are discussed. (SM)

Surveys of secondary school students to determine their reasons for alienation from physical education indicated 21 percent felt alienated and did not enjoy gym class; half of the alienated students were also alienated from school overall; nearly three-quarters were average or below average in physical skill. A model is presented to help explain…

Concludes a series of papers in this journal issue on how students feel about and understand aspects of their physical education (PE) programs, focusing on understanding the purpose of PE programs and recognizing student differences. Implications for teachers and teacher educators and thoughts about future research on student voices in PE are…

Discusses the reaction of feminist students at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) to a photograph, "Heaven and Hell" (A. Serrano), on the cover of the book "Arresting Images: Impolitic Art and Uncivil Actions" (S. Dubin). Their position that the photograph promotes violence toward women is one interpretation; another is that it is a powerful…

Describes the diverse assumptions and practices defined under the banner of cultural studies, suggesting how the field might have important consequences for individuals concerned with reforming schools and colleges of education. The paper addresses how progressive educators might contribute, examining how the field could be included in the larger…

Barbie is presented as the perfect cultural site for interrogating margins, borders, and contradictions in females' lives. This article illuminates such issues by interrogating the "cumulative cultural text of Barbie." Texts criticized are: Barbie collector cards; "Barbie" and "Barbie Fashion" comic books; "Barbie, The Magazine for Girls"; and the…

Ngugi wa Thiong'o is widely acknowledged in Africa as a towering figure of African literature, criticism, and political and social commentary. This review examines Ngugi's work as it relates to African cultural studies and cultural studies in general, noting his search for a common global culture and a world language. (SM)

Earth's current ecological crisis, rooted in modernist culture, threatens extinction in a historically distinct new manner. Western educators have responded by creating environmental education. Many educators' and authors' voices are the living roots of a transformative and prophetic holistic education for a postmodern world and must be heard…

Discusses "Strengthening Collegiate Education in Community Colleges" (J. S. Eaton) and "The Contradictory College" (K. J. Dougherty), two conflicting perspectives on community colleges' roles. Argues that both fail to consider the changing needs of today's diverse students. Multiculturalism and commitment to education as democratic practice…

A professional support personnel evaluation model is presented that is grounded in sound evaluation theory and conceptualized in research as well as practice. Validity, reliability, and utility are acknowledged in the seven steps of an evaluation model that balances institutional and individual needs. (SLD)

Current state policies and practices regarding the evaluation of professional support personnel in education were studied through a 1993 national survey. Many school systems are beginning to recognize the need for defined evaluation processes for professional support personnel, but there is significant variation in the levels of state support.…