Chinese vocational education is currently in its most optimal development period in history. This article discusses several challenges of different dimensions faced by vocational education in China as it develops, such as scale versus quality, development goals, a lifelong vocational education system, and creating model institutions; and puts…

This article introduces a series of articles on the governor's school model, described as a nontraditional program blending cultural, academic, social, and recreational components into a rich and natural learning environment for gifted students. The article also briefly describes the Mississippi Governor's School and outlines the purposes of the…

This paper investigates the cross-national institutionalization of formal civics-oriented school curricula and programs and considers how national educational systems contextualize and institutionalize these curricula and programs. In particular, the paper asks if, in nations where civically oriented opportunities are institutionalized as formal…

This article briefly describes the current status of middle schools in Ohio and attempts to establish a rationale for the development of the middle school. The author's central thesis is that curricular considerations for a middle school are basically identical to those of most junior high schools, and that in order to significantly improve the…

Using the Lazarus model, the author presents a reappraisal strategy to help students cope with inadequate, stressful social interactions. Identification of the unsatisfactory situation, generation of alternative interpretations and behaviors, cognitive rehearsal, and new response implementation are described. (Author/HLM)

Reacts to two articles on school-to-work transitions (also in this issue). Describes how both pieces support a developmental emphasis in school-to-work program implementation and examines some of the factors surrounding vocational issues. Relays personal experiences with vocational counseling and school-to-work activities and makes recommendations…

A study was conducted to explore the question of what works in secondary vocational education--whether exemplary vocational programs can be identified, whether their key features can be described, and whether there are lessons to be learned that can assist others in devising strategies to improve secondary vocational education. Methodology…

Problematic issues in developing preservice teachers' capacities for reflection include: distinguishing reflective thinking from reflective action; immediate versus extended time frames for reflection; the complexity of critical reflection and the need to foster it over a considerable period; and the role of problem solving in reflection. An…

This paper establishes a conceptual framework for assessing problem-solving abilities of gifted secondary students. Assessment procedures based on a continuum of problem types are described. Issues discussed include multiple types of intelligence, the use of multiple measures, sensitivity to individual differences, and assessment for the student's…

Describes the development and implementation of a curriculum model seeking to integrate the study of different types of text in a coherent and meaningful way. Explains the rationale of the model, supported by exemplar tasks designed by teachers working within the context of an integrated English, media and drama curriculum. Evaluates the impact of…

This document, which presents a model for sex affirmative guidance and counseling programs in secondary schools, is the result of the collaborative efforts of 23 Michigan secondary school counselors who attended a seminar on "Building the Model Program: Achieving Sex Equity in Counseling and Guidance Programs." Four program audiences are…

Reacts to two articles on school-to-work transitions (also in this issue). Outlines the evolution of guidance in schools and describes the comprehensive guidance program model, including its conceptual foundation, organizational framework, and other model elements. Proposes that counseling psychologists become active participants in K-12 education…

Describes a prevention program, the Peer Group Connection (PGC), which uses peer influence to help teenagers cope with the problems associated with becoming adults. Discusses peer leadership training, the goals and objectives of PGC, teacher selection and training, student leader training, and also provides evaluations of the program. (RJM)

The "critical viewing" model for teaching media studies is based on the assumptions that mass media spread evil influences and viewers are mindless and passive media consumers. In contrast, a "cultural reflective" model of media studies would enhance cultural understanding by enabling students to seek alternative ways to think…

The theoretical section of this paper briefly suggests why a period of drastic social change demands a curriculum which is more relevant to the concerns of students and presents an information processing model of man as the basis on which to develop such a curriculum. A rationale for teaching particular processes (rather than specific content) is…