The purpose of the present study is to summarize the research to date and report additional findings on a successful alternative model for urban middle level education that is incorporated in NativityMiguel schools. These schools, designed particularly to meet the educational and social developmental needs of young adolescents at risk because of…

Nativity schools--there are over forty in urban areas throughout the United States--provide an important alternative to urban middle schools failing to provide their students with an adequate education. Nativity schools, which are privately funded, provide a year-round educational experience for at-risk urban children. They feature small classes,…

A study explored the effects of participation in two kinds of volunteer activities--community service and child care--on adolescents' attitudes toward social and personal responsibility skill development and knowledge acquisition. It was part of an evaluation of the New York State 4-H Youth Volunteers Program. Written questionnaires, interviews…

Although several studies have documented the benefits to undergraduate college students of participating in service-learning and general community service, little research has examined the effects of such service participation on the service-related attitudes and behaviors of alumni. In this study, 481 alumni of a religious-affiliated liberal arts…

The use of recent college graduates as volunteer teachers has increased in recent years with the growth of the Teach for America program and alternative middle schools for at-risk children from low income homes. Very few studies to date have investigated the effects of the use of such teachers on student learning and engagement in school. The…