When students earn good grades and high praise without having to make much effort, they may not learn the values and skills needed in order to be productive, caring citizens who contribute positively to the world. Some of the most important concepts for a successful life may not be taught to gifted children early in life because they are not…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Data for Actionable Knowledge." Contents include: (1) Office for Civil Rights…

Many people think it is taboo to talk about sex with children. Adults reinforce this belief when, for example, they use substitute words rather than "vagina" or "penis". They may be embarrassed to learn about children's sexual development or ask others for assistance. Although most people in US society are open about sexuality now, the topic of…

Parents have enough to think about as they prepare for their son or daughter's college education without having to worry about drinking or how to prepare him/her for what some think is a "collegiate rite of passage." This guide provides basic information about alcohol, drinking, and college. It includes simple suggestions intended to help prepare…

This book was written to help parents integrate their values into family life and pass them on to their children. The book helps parents: (1) know their own values; (2) understand what their values mean to them; (3) live by their values; (4) model values in ways children can see and understand; (5) realize what a child must know and be able to do…

This study examined the relationship of racial and ethnic socialization and academic achievement in a sample of 218 African American adolescents (grades 9-12; 52% girls) attending a public high school in the northeastern United States. Researchers were particularly interested in whether adolescent gender moderated the relationship between racial…

This book offers meditations on concerns about the future and what awaits the coming generations. The volume expresses anger with schools, government, and other agencies of this society that make children aliens. The Mother Earth, Gaia, is lost to people due to the denial of a non-modern heritage. The meditations are on the 21st century and what…

Human Needs and Intellectual Disabilities identifies the 12 human needs most relevant to the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, autism and related developmental disabilities. It includes detailed, practical suggestions for caregivers or parents interested in the happiness, quality of life, and self-determination of their loved ones or…

This guide provides detailed and useful information about how to help children develop skills that allow them to practice conflict resolution. The first section, "The Setting," considers the environment and how it can enhance the qualities required for successful conflict resolution and minimize unnecessary conflict. The four chapters in…

Asserting that character is inspired rather than imparted, this book for parents presents a new paradigm for reconnecting education with core values. The book argues that true education for our children springs not just from seeking good grades and achievements but from reestablishing a true commitment to character, attitude, and a sense of…

Compiled by Bob Keeshan, TV's "Captain Kangaroo," this book is a reference guide for books appropriate for children through age eight. Books are organized alphabetically, according to children's age group, and include Bob Keeshan's comments as well as author, publisher, publishing date, and price. Each entry also lists values the book teaches,…

One side of character education is to create schools and communities that are caring, civil, and challenging (both academically and behaviorally). The other side is to develop young citizens who are smart, decent, and responsible. This booklet illustrates how to use newspaper content at school and at home to teach eight specific values: respect,…

Many believe that America's children are exposed to negative messages by the media--violence, irresponsible sex, and materialism--making it difficult for parents to teach traditional values. Noting that what motivates parents is the desire to teach their children right from wrong while what motivates society is financial profit, this book explores…

This booklet provides information about the values and skills that make up character and good citizenship and what parents can do to help their children develop strong character. It suggests activities that parents and school-aged children can do to put those values to work in their daily lives and tips for working with teachers and schools to…

This booklet was developed by early education teachers to help parents teach their children values necessary for learning and for living. The introduction identifies six lifelong values, discusses the important role played by parents in teaching these values, and offers a checklist of positive ways parents interact with their children. Each of the…