This article is a discussion by the chairman of the Panel on Youth of the President's Science Advisory Committee of a report developed by his committee and its implications with the Wingspread conference group. (Editor/RK)

Author takes a hard look at certain facets of contemporary American society and challenges educators to throw their weight on the side of the eternal verities.'' (Editor)

According to a recent survey of American School Counselor Association members, the tendency to use non-school-certified personnel to serve school counselor functions is common. Although the association strongly supports collaborative efforts with community agencies, the group is concerned that such services are often provided by improperly trained…

Working class and minority participation in action-learning poses potential problems likely to be overlooked by program planners. This presentation reveals the trouble spots and offers constructive suggestions. (Editor)

Accelerating social and economic changes have contributed to a widespread sense of alienation affecting the school and its functions, goals, and activities. To reduce unacceptable alienation levels, the school must clarify its own mission, understand the relationship between social and academic issues, define its responsibility, and encourage…

To achieve lasting educational improvement in the face of rapid social change, this article suggests that disciplinary progression (toward increasing restriction) be instituted, that teachers adopt evening office hours, that bilingual education be abolished, that minimal standards be adopted, that instructional objectives be revamped, and that a…

Major national policy statements driving the school reform movement ignore potential of interscholastic athletic programs for improving public education. A decline in public support for athletics, the "back to basics" movement, and athletics' traditional financial vulnerability point to an uncertain future. Research shows that athletic programs…

Neither the schools, nor the juvenile justice system, nor the criminal justice system can cure the problem of juvenile crime, says the author. Before the problem can be solved, we must separate delinquency from criminality, and offer troubled youth some alternatives. (Editor/RK)

Reviews five recent reports noting the complexity of youth problems and demanding cooperation among many agencies and groups. Most reports advocate improving preschool children's welfare and increasing services to young parents. Unresolved issues include comprehensive high schools and a comprehensive youth policy. Omitted were multiculturalism and…

Suicide is the second major cause of death for adolescents, after accidents. Administrators should adopt cautious and comprehensive policies, risk management, and prevention programs. Educators should recognize warning signs: suicide threats, recent losses, traumatic events, sudden changes in appearance, heavy drug or alcohol use, and…

Schools can no longer act alone as surrogate parents. First appearing in Florida's innovative legislation, the full-service school concept is catching on in several other states. Full-service schools integrate education, medical, social, and/or human services to meet families' needs in easily accessible locations. Primary health centers are key…

The Character Education Partnership, a national coalition, has developed 11 principles to help students internalize desirable societal values. Successful character-education programs require committed school leadership, a common vocabulary, staff development, integration with academics, a focus on respect for others, and service learning. Program…

A recent survey found that 90 percent of high school seniors/respondents perceived the world as stressful and the majority of people as phony. These views may partly explain the high suicide, pregnancy, dropout, and drug usage rates among high school seniors. Teachers can help students overcome stress by modeling coping strategies and providing…

SAFARI (Student Assistance for At-Risk Individuals) is a nationally recognized, comprehensive K-12 program that addresses drug and alcohol use, sociological concerns, conflicts experienced by students, and at-risk behaviors interfering with academic success. Two neighboring Indiana school districts have combined resources to develop a program…

The U.S. family--the backbone of earlier societies--is rapidly degenerating, indicating the need for a social or educational agency surrogate for family caring and supervision. Time has demonstrated value-neutral education's devastating effects on our nation and our social interactions. Educators must help emerging adolescents form realistic…