The authors present a first-hand account of the massive literacy program in Nicaragua. They describe the political rationale and the extensive organizational tasks of the National Literacy Crusade, pointing out that its success depended upon the commitment of the people and the government to literacy and liberation. (Author/SK)

The failure of education to influence economic growth and social and political equity has raised serious questions about the practice of educational planning. Four planning activities (logistics, techniques, politics, and research) are examined and suggestions for changing the ways planners can influence the social order are made. (Author/SK)

Having derived lessons from the chaos of the Cultural Revolution, Chinese leaders are creating a new system of education. Reforms include restoring discipline, upgrading university education, and improving the quality of teaching. (SK)

Epstein describes the unique ideology of the military regime in Peru from 1968 to 1980. Particular attention is paid to the use of education to win the allegiance of the highland Indians. He concludes by analyzing the problems leading to the regime's ultimate failure to win the people's support. (Author/SK)

Critique of an earlier issue "Education as Transformation: Identity, Change, and Development" (See EJ 245 279-284), which was devoted to the role of education in Third World development. Argues that new cultural identities arise from a transformation of nature, not merely of appearance. (JOW)

Responses from seven authors of the special issue on "Education as Transformation: Identity, Change, and Development," (see EJ 245 279-284) to the two critiques presented in this issue. (JOW)

Depicting changes in Mexican American families, this study examined the effect of wives' employment outside the home and level of education on their power in family decision making. It was found that employed wives achieved greater equality in decision making while maintaining many traditional ethnic systems. (Author/SK)

Expanding on a 1987 article, the authors argue that inclusion provides all students with education that is both individual and integrated. They stress that the inclusionary model should be part of the school restructuring debate and that special education should be viewed as a matter of social justice and equity. (SK)

Postmodern media culture widens the gap between school and children's external environments; it challenges the critical objective of media education. Students' efforts at media production manifest a more playful concept of knowledge and learning, requiring a more comprehensive postmodern approach to media education. (Contains 47 references.) (SK)

Positions the school as a site through which cultural responses to material conditions are played out. Identifies responses to three waves of modernization--universal schooling, postindustrial society, and commodified electronic culture--that are accompanied by specific cultural forms such as youth culture. Suggests that these forms are sites for…

Two articles ("Popular Education in Nongovernmental Organizations" by Magendzo and "Transference and Appropriation in Popular Education Interventions" by Vaccaro) provide a view of the Interdisciplinary Program for Research in Education's role as an organization sponsoring popular education programs and research in Chile and…

Multiple communication channels and increasing cultural and linguistic diversity necessitate a much broader view of literacy. Multiliteracies approach emphasizes the importance of negotiating linguistic and cultural difference and fostering the critical engagement necessary for students to design their futures and achieve fulfilling employment.…

A dialogue between Paulo Freire and Donaldo Macedo addresses current criticisms of Freire along gender and race lines, challenges misinterpretations of his ideas, and discusses what it means to educate for critical citizenry in a multiracial and multicultural world. (SK)

A Philadelphia third-grade class uses a classroom economy simulation to explore real-world situations, which provides opportunities for meaningful application of academic skills, role exploration, separation of academic success from "acting White," questioning of reality, experience of economic success, and the ability to perceive social…

Six curriculum orientations predominate in African-American educational experience: functionalism, accommodation, liberalism, Black Nationalism, Afrocentrism, and social reconstruction. Tied to the history of slavery and oppression, these orientations will continue to develop separate from the mainstream. (SK)