Many adolescents are turned off by school. High achievers often feel like social outcasts, while underachieving scoffers deny themselves crucial years of education. There is no learning disability apart from attitude. Schools must consider kids' individual needs and problems, make learning interesting, help kids become successful, and provide…

With home schooling legal everywhere and many home-schoolers reaching high school age, state legislatures are considering whether and how to encourage "mix-and-match" schooling. In some areas, discussion centers on access to academic classes only. In others, attention is on eligibility to participate in sports or extracurricular…

Before educators can help children unlearn racial prejudice, they should realize that children develop societal stereotypes and biases by age 3 or 4. A Seattle multiculturalism expert suggests that schools create an overall cooperative atmosphere, sponsor cross-school events that bring kids from different backgrounds together, and ensure equal…

Abstinence education is receiving increased attention as a way of preventing both teen pregnancy and risky sexual behavior. Effective sex education programs provide basic information about the risks of unprotected intercourse and also address the social influences on sexual behavior. Sidebars contain student comments. (MLF)