The process of effective teaching--teaching that directly leads to student learning of standards-based content--is tenuous at best and easily disrupted by contextual and behavioral factors. In this commentary, I discuss the role of student support and mediation in teacher effectiveness and curricular reform. The most vocal students in physical…

Dr. Mary Margaret Wood is best known for developing psychoeducational programs that integrate mental health and special education interventions for children with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). Developmental Therapy (DT) includes comprehensive assessment of student behavior, communication, social, and cognitive development,…

Explores the notion that student activism is a form of leadership and development and raises issues regarding student activism that challenges educators to view the developmental potential of activist behavior and thought. Also discusses social and academic conditions that support the resurgence of activism in educational settings. (NB)

The decisions today's students make ripple outward to their immediate family and school community. How can teachers help students make the right decisions and do the right things? When teachers help students make the connection between character and conduct, they begin to offer students a safe environment conducive to learning. This book shows how…

Provides educators with a problem-solving process that can be used in K-12 classrooms. Defines, in particular, a solution-focused problem-solving strategy that emphasizes goal identification and implementation. States that this technique helps make positive behavioral changes in students' lives by focusing on future solutions instead of past…

Responds to commentaries on his article on self-organization theory. Makes the point that student behavior cannot be understood outside of its environment nor can the campus environment be understood apart from student behavior. (ABB)

Describes the development of a safe, caring community in the classroom where students feel cared for, where they are able to learn, and where they learn to care for others. Describes the implementation of an assortment of community-building activities divided into two areas: establishment of rules and establishment of rituals and routines. (VWC)

Presents the reconstruction of conversations and e-mail correspondences with Dr. Marcia Baxter Magolda regarding students'"ways of knowing." Dr. Baxter Magolda reveals various ways in which students beginning college learn, offers examples of effective teaching, and exemplifies principles for promoting learning. (VWC)

Concerns about college fraternities and sororities and student values are identified for student personnel administrators. It is noted that fraternities and sororities are exclusionary by practice, sexist in nature, and gender specific by design. They reinforce, without reexamining, the values that their members possess upon entering. Attention is…

Some questions that might be asked when considering a career in campus activities are answered, including: what career positions are available in student activities, should one consider a master's degree or a doctorate, what types of programs are there, and where can one find information about graduate programs. (MLW)

Addresses the critical issue of moral and ethical value development in the context of regulating student behavior on college campuses. Describes an ecosystem planning model which can serve as a basis for implementing an effective system of behavioral expectations at colleges. Outlines and discusses the seven steps of this model. (Author/NB)

Higher education's principal reason for being is seen as that of developing student talents. This premise suggests that a high-quality institution is one that maximizes the intellectual and personal development of its students. Student involvement is seen as the cornerstone of academic excellence. (MLW)

The recommendations set forth in "Developing Character: Transmitting Knowledge," a recent statement signed by prominent scholars and educators, are reviewed here for principals. The statement focuses on the importance of education for character development. (Author)

Reviews "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform" and its companion document "The Nation Responds: Recent Efforts to Improve Education." Suggests these documents overemphasize educational reform for the purpose of helping American businesses cope with foreign competition, and that they lack enough solid…

Chickering's model of student development is based on two assumptions: (1) the primary function of higher education is to encourage student development; and (2) the most effective programs provide opportunities for close and sustained relationships between students and faculty in which students are actively involved in planning and carrying out…