Presents a "conversation" between the authors that discusses various theories of identity, the relationship between identity and literacy, and how identities and literacies are constructed and practiced within relationships of race, gender, class, and space. Addresses findings of recent studies and the authors' thoughts about what these…

Examines the literature on academic achievement, self-esteem, identity development, and school integration. Indicates the need for investigation of the effects of busing minority children on their identity status. (FMW)

Recent thinking about the components of sexual identity (biological sex, gender identity, sexual preference, and social sex role) are examined. It is argued that confusion between correlation and causality in these areas restrict the development of all children. Examples and suggestions for avoiding stereotyping of school children are given.…

This paper reviews the research and theories on ethnic identity development, and draws some implications from these ideas for improving curriculum design for, and instructional effectiveness with, ethnically different students, especially Black Americans. The paradigm of "the developmental stages of ethnic identity transformation"…

Describes three models of ethnic identity development, with particular focus on their significance for understanding the socialization and self-concepts of Black children. Considers implications for educational reform and suggests the models provide useful frameworks for making better decisions about when educators should introduce materials about…

Outlines the beliefs people have about speech styles, how and why people modify speech styles, and the role of speech style in social identity. Discusses educational implications of these findings. (RL)

This literature-based review examines characteristics of American Indians, difficulties and techniques in accurately identifying gifted American Indian students, and programming options. Emphasized is the need to formulate and implement a concrete plan of action for appropriately serving gifted American Indians while preserving their cultural and…

The article addresses the "identity crisis" which the author says faces the field of learning disabilities. Following a brief review of the history of special education, the logical positivism movement is described and challenged. In the final section the author emphasizes the need to examine values rather than facts divorced from contexts. (CL)

Argues against the notion that all school districts should be the same size. Research on fiscal efficiency and school effectiveness does not express a consensus regarding the long-term effects or organizational implications of district size, and the country still has a range of district types. There should be more research on community identity.…

Maslow's theory of a hierarchy of needs is used to analyze Navajo youths' struggles for identity, fulfillment, and self-esteem. Answers to the challenges of substance abuse, violence, and gang membership are offered based upon George Bearden's eight-step plan, which stresses the importance of understanding human needs to perceive and transform…

Examines the white movement within multicultural education, reviewing three representative books: "We Can't Teach What We Don't Know: White Teachers, Multiracial Schools"; "Race and Culture in the Classroom: Teaching and Learning Through Multicultural Education"; and "Making Meaning of Whiteness: Exploring the Racial…

This monograph attempts to bridge the fields of education and counseling, focusing on the academic, social and emotional, and psychological concerns of gifted African American students. Also discussed are gender issues between African American males and females relative to social and educational variables; barriers to counseling for African…

This paper explores the theoretical and research contributions of many authors concerning group status and intergroup relations. Highlighted are: (1) Coleman's insights on the classroom reward structure; (2) Pettigrew's principles for successful ethnic contact; (3) Sherif's experimental work on the reduction of intergroup hostility through the…

A summary is presented of the literature on motivation relating to achievement in the classroom. Special attention is given to how values, ideology, and various cultural patterns may serve to enhance motivation to achieve in the classroom. In considering what determines motivation and personal investment in educational pursuits, the following…

Society's concepts of children, schools, and communities are undergoing significant changes. These changes are reflected prominently in federal and state policy initiatives. Substantive, rather than political, indispensability, may require careful rethinking of school psychology's fundamental identity, training, and practice to match these…