"The Role of Risk: Mentoring Experiences and Outcomes for Youth with Varying Risk Profiles" presents findings from the first large-scale study to examine how the levels and types of risk youth face may influence their relationships with program-assigned mentors and the benefits they derive from these relationships. The study looked…

"The Role of Risk: Mentoring Experiences and Outcomes for Youth with Varying Risk Profiles" presents findings from the first large-scale study to examine how the levels and types of risk youth face may influence their relationships with program-assigned mentors and the benefits they derive from these relationships. The study looked…

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)

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)

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…

Reports ninth-grade students reactions to statements about science and how science affects their lives. Data taken from the questionnaires of the Second International Science Study indicated that students had a positive view of science but seemed to become more critical as science began to have an impact on their lives. (ML)

A study examined cultural factors affecting the participation of black people in vocational education. Analysis of the way in which black people process information suggests that, unlike white people, blacks tend to view things in their environment in their entirety rather than in isolated parts. Furthermore, they seem to prefer intuitive rather…

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)

Presents an approach to developing acceptance of handicapped students in a mainstreaming situation by staff and normal students. Planning should be developed prior to the handicapped child's entrance into a regular classroom. Handicapped learner labels should be avoided. Counselors should provide leadership in this endeavor. (Author/BEF)

This paper, based on the author's experience as a superintendent of a successful Colorado school district, suggests means of strengthening a school district's public image. Simple measures are presented for (1) stimulating and maintaining parent involvement in district- and school-sponsored organizations, (2) improving communication with the…

Describes program designed to increase student attendance at San Jacinto (California) Unified School District (approximately 2,300 grade K-12 students) that includes goal setting, successive communications with students and parents, establishment of School Attendance Review Board, and student recognition/rewards. Reports average attendance…

Several years ago the police department of Waterford, Connecticut and the local school administration viewed with great alarm the increasing tendency of school age youth to mistrust and misunderstand the criminal justice system. A program entitled "Freedom and the Law" was developed in response to this concern. The project was designed…