The Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program and National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development have forged a partnership with the goal of exploring the role youth sports can play in developing young people's social and emotional skills. With funding from the Susan Crown Exchange (SCE) and guidance from a strategic advisory…

The Native American Needs Assessment Action Plan is designed to assist educators and administrators in addressing the needs and areas of possible opportunity that have been identified through the annual Native American Needs Assessment conducted by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction. The Action Plan is organized around areas of need…

"Creating a Successful Leadership Style" gives practical applications supported by real experiences. It presents the actual situations a principal or assistant principal faces on a day-to-day basis and provides strategies to address them. These strategies derive from a leadership style that is people oriented and designed to elicit positive…

When you think of great leaders, of course Abraham Lincoln would come to mind. But can the life of a great 19th century president really shed light on what 21st century school leaders should do? "Yes," say authors Harvey Alvy and Pam Robbins. Their book explores how Lincoln's ability to persevere and lead despite adversity provides a compelling…

Discussion of children in single-parent families focuses on contributions fathers make to children's development; proposes a model for viewing fathers' roles in literacy; and suggests programs for libraries and schools to involve fathers and compensate for fathers' absences, including a bibliography of children's literature with positive male role…

The lives of six prominent female leaders (Sandra Day O'Connor, Maya Angelou, Wilma Mankiller, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Elizabeth Dole, and Mary Kay Ash) are summarized. Similarities are noted and questions and activities provided to encourage discussion by teachers and students. (DB)

The author shows how "Star Trek" is more than a television show about space exploration and the future. Captain Kirk's style demonstrates there are goals to be achieved. (Author/MLF)

Contends the faculty adviser for student publications holds one of the most sensitive positions in school. Explains why the following attributes are important in an advisor: understands the peripheral aspects of the job; communicates effectively; promotes teamwork; models how to accept criticism; promotes intrinsic motivation; stirs students to…

This workshop discussion guide identifies experiences that the family contributes to the life-long learning, growth and achievement of children and adults. In narrative form, the presentation proceeds metaphorically. Family life is seen as a "school curriculum" complete with instruction in three content areas: (1) SELF-CONCEPT (courses offered…

This book is intended for teachers and parents who want to give their students and children inspiring models to imitate in developing positive character traits and attitudes. In the book are individuals from today (like Bill Cosby) or people in the past (like Abraham Lincoln) who will inspire children. In all, the book portrays 75 people of…

Explains that good sportsmanship in childhood athletics is about respecting one's opponents, one's coach, one's teammates, and oneself. In practice, it may involve controlling one's own frustrations while being courteous to all others involved in the sport. The paper focuses on how sportsmanship develops, the responsibility of parents to serve as…

Because ready role models for today's children are media-created superheroes and celebrities of television and film, children need real-life role models who guide them into realistic personal and social pathways. As principal adult contacts, teachers can be such role models. Specific strategies for encouraging teachers in this role are presented.…

Reviews strategies to help children cope with fear. Notes a study in which children reported responses to fears different from what parents and teachers reported observing in them. Discusses six ways preschool teachers can empower children to deal with the frightening things in their lives. (ET)

Shares the authors' criteria for evaluating female characters as positive role models in children's literature. Explores the criteria by examining "The Ballad of Lucy Wipple" (Karen Cushman). Discusses other recently published picture books and novels which feature strong females in history, in contemporary times, and in fantasy. (SR)

Tattooing and body piercing are becoming mainstream, especially among the college population that comprises camp staff. Campers often idolize their counselors and want to be like them. Piercings may present a safety hazard. Camps should develop a policy and communicate it to prospective counselors and campers as early as possible. Several camps'…