Educators cannot be rigid about using same- or cross-sex grouping, as both can be beneficial. Race and gender equity are complex, interrelated issues. Three ways of thinking can lead to potential conflicts between race and gender in equity pursuits: either/or, hierarchical, and universal (categorical). Both/and thinking and same-sex/same-race…

The principal author of the 1992 study "How Schools Shortchange Girls" argues that too many proposed remedies are simplistic formulations based on the assumption that gender equity is "for girls only." Opportunities will widen for all students if educators acknowledge schooling's gender bias, review their own practices, and learn from all-girl…

Two reasons African American females do not pursue science careers are the need for immediate employment and lack of tools to negotiate the racism and sexism that undermine their aspirations for success. This article describes intervention strategies in an Afrocentric school and a medical magnet school that encourage African American girls to…

Schools can reduce special-education and remedial instruction costs by helping students succeed in early grades. This article profiles several prevention and early intervention programs, including Success for All, Reading Recovery, Prevention of Learning Disabilities, the Carolina Abecedarian Project, Comer's School Development Program, and…

Currently, only one-third of U.S. students read at acceptably high levels. Designed for inclusive programs, Reading Styles recognizes that everyone, not just "handicapped" students, has varying strengths and weaknesses. The program identifies youngsters' individual strengths; matches reading methods, materials, and strategies to these strengths;…

Scaffolding--supporting learners' efforts to bridge the gap between their present knowledge and the intended goal--is an effective instructional technique. The Scaffolding Reading Experience helps students get the most out of every literacy experience. The teacher considers the students, their purposes for reading, and the intended text, and…

A recent study observed literacy instruction in 26 San Diego and El Paso classrooms. Only five teachers seemed to provide intellectually stimulating, clear, and explicit instruction. Teachers of language-minority students should use evocative words and explicit reading strategies, help students transfer thoughts into English, and encourage…

A Japanese-American teacher's personal experience with diversity helped her second graders value their differences and appreciate their similarities. Teachers of all ethnic backgrounds bring their views, values, dreams, and cultural baggage to the classroom. Teachers should consider what they represent and how they themselves view ethnic…

Abolishing direct-instruction and skill-practice opportunities could have serious consequences for special-needs learners. Teachers should provide explicit and focused, even isolated instruction as needed and integrate it into the larger literacy context. This means conducting ongoing assessments of each student's abilities, skills, and progress…

After a violent incident just outside an Austin (Texas) middle school, the principal and her staff decided that the problem of gangs could not be resolved by merely banning gang colors and signing. Special clubs, community volunteers, and a no-failure policy helped make students less vulnerable to gang membership. (MLH)

The Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder worldview tacitly promotes a teacher-centered, worksheet- and textbook-driven education model. According to current research, all students benefit from project-based environments allowing them to construct new meanings based on their existing knowledge. This article discusses holistic interventions that…

Although many parents and educators hesitate to involve children in a regular course of drug therapy, Ritalin often proves beneficial to Attention Deficit Disorder sufferers. Diana, an intelligent, easily distracted middle schooler, was helped by a team approach using evaluation, remediation, behavioral therapy, medication, and a supportive…

At Baltimore's Eastern Technical High School, the resource center helps make full inclusion effective for all students. In this small and busy classroom, one cannot distinguish special-education students from "regular" students. All have special needs, whether they are gifted and talented or are identified as having severe ability/achievement…

In Pennsylvania, instructional-support teams are being used as prereferral intervention groups to help teachers garner necessary school resources to meet students' increasingly complex academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs. Onsite training elements include collaboration and team building, instructional assessment, instructional…

Teachers should engage in active, collaborative, creative problem solving with their colleagues and students when developing solutions to common behavioral problems. Children communicate through their behaviors and need to learn more positive alternatives. Teachers should help students make successful transitions, create a sense of control, follow…