Describes 20 ways in which secondary schools can enhance their learning climates, using time and effort in a more businesslike, productive way to increase orderliness and predictability; improve recognition of the value of time; emphasize excellence; and create a sense of purpose, openness, and optimism regarding learning and living. (Author/PGD)

When the Rincon Valley School District realized that a sixth-grade teacher's lengthening absences were due to Acquired Immune Deficiency Disease, the district and the teacher chose to handle the case in the open. The experience with the school, students, families, and the community has been positive while providing a supportive environment for the…

A Pride Month program with miniactivities and in-depth projects designed to help students take a serious look at themselves and their environment is suggested. Four themes for the month are offered: Pride in Self, School Pride, Community Pride, and National Pride. (MT)

Describes a homeroom advising program developed at Central Junior High School in Omaha, Nebraska. The original goal of the program was to give students a sense of belonging, but the program accomplished much more and carried over into all aspects of the school. (MD)

Teachers who have been recognized as outstanding share advice on how parents can work with teachers, encourage responsibility, reinforce learning, assist in adjustment to junior high school, and generally stay alert to a child's needs. (MT)

A study of 8 children (ages 5-7) with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia found returning to school was a major milestone and that school serves as the mechanism by which young survivors approach the process of living each day. Attendance obstacles are discussed, along with guidelines for maintaining school as a priority. (Contains references.) (CR)

Unfortunately, many students have negative feelings toward mathematics that can lead to math anxiety and subsequent poor performance in or avoidance of mathematics classes. These feelings may have been brought about by negative math classroom experiences, negative parental attitudes toward math, or societal stereotyping of mathematics. The notions…

Factors to be considered in deciding about nonpromotion of students include child factors (such as physical disabilities, physical size, self-concept, and ability to function independently); family factors (such as attitude toward retention and number of geographical moves); and school factors (school's, principal's, and teacher's attitude toward…

Discusses the benefits of home visits by teachers before a child enters preschool or kindergarten and first-grade programs. Presents questions a teacher should ask concerning the logistics of implementing home visits in their program. (HTH)

A principal shares principles and practices involved in achieving excellence in a middle school. (DCS)

Managerial processes used in developing programs to improve an institution's public image are outlined, drawing on both theory and experience in college administration and public relations. Eight case studies provide illustrations. A five-stage managerial plan is presented. (MSE)

Local districts can assess public opinion concerning the schools by adapting the questions asked and the data analysis methods used in national Gallup polls for use in local surveys. A comparison of national poll results with results of polls in four Arizona cities illustrates the value of this concept. (PGD)

This book serves as a guide for overcoming the challenge of improving schools. It provides a comprehensive view of issues related to serious school reform and describes appropriate attitudes, concepts, and tools needed to rethink and redesign American education. A 5-year study of 10 schools in the Coalition of Essential Schools already involved in…

Part of a three-volume series, this guide is intended for parents of children in the first- through sixth-grade, who want to become involved in their children's education and to help their children learn. Discussion focuses on the following topics: (1) helping children to develop self-esteem and self-confidence; (2) helping children develop…

Based on the idea that an aggressive public relations effort is critically important in heightening a community's confidence in its schools, this guide provides advice for developing a school publicity program. The information presented is intended particularly for public schools in the New York City area. First, the guide suggests ways of…