This book focuses on discourses of effective learning environments globally for reducing discrimination in schools. It offers innovative ideas concerning the future directions that education and policy reforms could take, in order to promote equality, social justice, and access to quality of education for all. The chapters offer a timely analysis…

In "Mathematical Mindsets: Unleashing Students' Potential through Creative Math, Inspiring Messages and Innovative Teaching" mathematics education expert and best-selling author Jo Boaler delivers a blueprint to banishing math anxiety and laying a foundation for mathematics success that anyone can build on. Perfect for students who have…

Teacher morale is based on the teacher's self-esteem. Teachers who feel appreciated, important to the realization of organizational goals, professionally and intellectually capable of contributing to organizational outcomes, and accepted as competent by their supervisors have the high self- esteem needed for good morale. To develop confidence in…

Discusses the history of U.S. community service programs and asserts that the potential benefits for students include increased self-esteem, enhanced motivation and interest in school, improved academic achievement, and increased social responsibility. Includes a list of six curriculum resources and a bibliography. (CFR)

A form of melancholia characterized by the negating of a college faculty member's professional motivation, positive attitudinal focus, and personal self-esteem is described. This "professorial melancholia" has three stages: (1) causal factors are beginning to have an effect; (2) progressive influence and noticeable impact; and (3) serious impact…

Addresses the problem of racial bias in the teaching of history. Argues that history is taught from a European viewpoint ignoring civilization's beginning in Africa. Suggests that African-American children will develop self-esteem and motivation if they are taught about African history. Describes such a program in the Indianapolis (Indiana) Public…

Although ability partly explains why some students are eager to learn in school whereas others are disinterested, motivation is another significant factor. This newsletter discusses factors that affect students' motivation to learn, considers techniques that can increase motivation, and identifies schools that have developed activities to enhance…

This study evaluated the In-School Mentoring pilot project, conveying the positive and negative repercussions of mentoring. The mentoring program was designed to help early elementary students improve their literacy skills. Interviews with 15 participating Alberta Learning employee in-school mentors examined program impact on both students and…

Recruitment and retention of special education teachers and related services staff have been persistent problems of rural school districts nationwide. High teacher attrition rates have serious ramifications for personnel development and program stability. Effective recruitment strategies for rural areas have four main components: (1) emphasis on…

Faced with budget cuts, demands for accountability by state legislatures and higher education councils, and a history of autocratic governance, the faculty morale at Paducah Community College, in Kentucky, reached its lowest point in 1990. A new president arrived, however, who had recently completed research on governance styles in higher…

Promoting nonviolent school discipline, this handbook describes a wide variety of punitive and preventive approaches practiced in American schools. After introductory passages discussing resistance to change and the declining but persistent use of corporal punishment, part one discusses the following topics under the heading…

This paper describes a mainstreaming model implemented at a high school in the Richardson Independent School District (Texas) for about 15 years. Implementation of the model has resulted in full mainstreaming of all special education students. The model's emphasis is on empowering students who have disabilities with the skills to be successful in…

This study examined the student characteristics of Athabasca University (AU), Alberta, Canada, a distance and open university, and asked whether AU serves the student clientele that its mission proposes and to what the AU graduates attribute success. Established to make it possible for people to earn a university education regardless of where they…

This document for participants comprises the proceedings of a fourth national conference on the retention of black college students. The conference consisted of 6 general sessions, 6 special sessions, 40 concurrent sessions, and several special activities. A total of 103 selected papers were presented. The following key topics were explored in…

Rewarding students for their achievements enhances self-esteem and confidence. These positive feelings permeate the school, improve the general climate, and raise the level of school pride. New and traditional methods of recognizing student groups such as a welcoming assembly, a spirit banner contest, and senior privileges can make students feel…