Evaluation studies of the Child Development Project revealed unexpected findings concerning students' sense of classroom community. Teachers should systematically build relationships with students, involve them in planning and problem solving, help them learn classmates' strengths and interests, downplay competition, and involve all children in…

Describes three major concerns principals have related to sex education: More professional development for teachers, more time for instruction, and communicating with students at earlier ages. Describes what some schools are doing to address these concerns. (PKP)

A Maine elementary principal discovered that a family game night, complete with food and door prizes, helps build a sense of community by giving parents an opportunity to interact informally with school staff and students. It is particularly effective with previously uninvolved parents. (MLH)

A critical, often neglected element in school renewal is developing a sense of community among students and adults. Few decision-makers understand the long-term benefits: students that are more ethical, caring, socially adept, academically motivated, and better behaved. High expectations and an engaging, challenging curriculum complete the…

Fostering resilience does not require elementary teachers to overburden the curriculum. Research shows that resiliency-fostering experiences occur when children are involved in assessing their own work and setting goals, participate in developing standards for work and classroom life, have opportunities to collaborate and make choices, participate…

The Pyramid, Railroad, and High Performance theories of leadership are inappropriate for school settings. At root, school leadership is about connecting people morally to each other and to their work. The work of leadership involves developing shared purposes, beliefs, values, and conceptions associated with teaching and learning,…

School design is changing in response to community needs. Today, flexibility is the key word in planning, designing, and renovating schools. Planning teams should consider schools' role as community learning centers. School size, shared space, enrollment changes, security, and parental choice of facilities are important planning elements. (MLH)