A high school teacher's reflections on youth and activism. (LR)

Schools should not restrict the use of novels designed for the now" generation. (RA)

The attraction of some teenagers to Satanic symbolism, which communicates extreme pessimism, nihilism, and hopelessness, is distressing. Focusing on the trappings of teenage pseudo-Satanism is counterproductive; we should concentrate on the root causes of teenage crime--low self-esteem and poor social conditions--and not become distracted by…

As teenagers mature, they seek to move away from the adult community's normative pressures. A 10-year survey of adolescents in 10 communities found more congruence than conflict between parent and adolescent world views. Seattle, Washington's innovative youth charter offers an ideal way to map out adult and adolescent roles. Includes nine…

Article based on testimony before the House Special Subcommittee on Education and reprinted from the "Washington Post (3/23/69) under the title of "The Perils of Overexposing Youth to College.

Although adolescents face many potentially life-threatening choices, schools are ill equipped to offer comprehensive guidance for developing personal survival skills. This article outlines four conditions militating against schools' acceptance of this role, advocates collaboration between schools and community-based youth organizations, and…

At an urban, predominantly African American middle school, the authors addressed parents' concerns (adolescent development, self-esteem, family communication, behavior management, peer pressure, sexuality, and substance abuse) through a series of six Saturday workshops. Parents were randomly assigned to one of three models: directive,…

School board members, administrators, and teachers must remember that the wearing of "gang" clothing or the appearance of "gang" graffiti does not always translate into gang activity and crime. In reality, the so-called national spread of gang problems may be just another teenage fad. School personnel should treat gangs as a…

Refutes Alfie Kohn's criticisms of modern character education programs in the February 1997 "Kappan." The basic structure of true "for character" education relies on an approach relevant for students of all ages, has been time-tested over 2,500 years, has broad public support, and has a valid research base. Kohn advocates…

Outlines a proposal whereby students between the ages of 16 and 26 would give two years of national service in the government agency of their choice or in the nonprofit private sector. The proposal would be especially useful, the author argues, for noncollege-bound high school students and dropouts. (JBM)

Describes high school students' letters written to help their teacher interpret youth culture to college professors at an upcoming seminar. Essays reflected four themes: (1) a search for family, (2) identity problems and loneliness, (3) living with rapid change, and (4) fear of failure, especially in college. (2 references) (MLH)

Recounts two homeless teenagers' struggle to stabilize their lives and graduate from high school. To help other heroic, homeless students, high schools should adopt flexible admission criteria, attendance policies, course offerings, and class assignments and provide special education services, transportation vouchers, and emotional support when…

An administrator of an Indiana alternative high school constantly battles negative public attitudes toward alternative schools. Schools or programs seeking to serve the variety of youths and families in today's society should not be separated out as "alternatives." Ensuring that all individuals have opportunities to succeed is a necessity, not an…

Reviews current high school problems and criticisms based on recent major studies suggesting the need for secondary education reform. (DW)

Following decades of mutual disengagement, coordinated school health programs (CSHPs) are emerging in response to the current state of children's health and education. CSHPs usually feature staff health promotion; health education; school health services; counseling, psychological, and social services; nutrition; physical education; a healthy…