Argues that the students, the primary constituency of the schools, have been omitted from efforts at school reform. Urges that students become part of a partnership with administrators, teachers, and parents through an integrated thematic plan that would make the student the center of the school universe. (FMW)

The development of models predicting progress toward the master's and doctoral degrees is reported. The models link department and student characteristics, student financial support, and student perceptions of the faculty with grades, involvement in the program, satisfaction with the department, and student feelings of alienation. (Author/MSE)

As part of a larger, ongoing study, this research examined how Australian boys' early school leaving may be linked to boys' decision-making processes and regional discourses of masculinities. Interviews with 22 boys from three locations (provincial, metropolitan, and rural) in Queensland indicated that commonalities existed across the transcripts…

A study explored the experiences of American Indian college students at a university where most students were White. Data were obtained through interviews with 16 Native students, followed by a group discussion. Findings indicate that American Indian students experienced feelings of isolation, loneliness, and discomfort because of looks and…

This paper examines some theories and approaches for better integrating minority students into college environments for creating a good "fit" for an increasingly diverse student body, and thereby increasing student retention. Several factors are found to affect diversity: an increased proportion of minorities; an increase in the average age of…

Argues that the profession and practice of music education research is becoming increasingly isolated and disengaged. Posits a parallel between this development and similar occurrences in the rest of society particularly the emphasis on consumption and commercialization. Maintains that this trend marks a decline in social capital. (MJP)

Considers the effects of commercialism and the current mania for name brand clothing on the lives of Canada's young Native Americans. Argues that the adoption of assimilationist and mainstream cultural values grows from the Indians' lack of any real political power. Postulates that young Indian women are particularly vulnerable to this tendency.…

A qualitative case study explored the perceptions of 37 urban secondary school students and 12 teachers about their school and community. Teachers and students worked in a landscape characterized as one of "urban abstraction," a term that helps explain the complex and contradictory fabric of current urban life. (SLD)

Maslow's theory of a hierarchy of needs is used to analyze Navajo youths' struggles for identity, fulfillment, and self-esteem. Answers to the challenges of substance abuse, violence, and gang membership are offered based upon George Bearden's eight-step plan, which stresses the importance of understanding human needs to perceive and transform…

Examined social network characteristics of 218 college freshmen. Subjects were of European American descent or of ethnically and racially diverse backgrounds (African American, Hispanic, Native American and Asian American). The study associated social adjustment with family support characteristics for the racially and ethnically diverse students…

Argues that too often liturgy and religious education posit an idyllic notion of the reign of God and fail to address the injustice, oppression, and violence endemic to much of modern life. This amounts to a dichotomy between the sacred and the secular. Proposes several corrective measures. (MJP)

Draws on the commonalities between multicultural counseling and dropout prevention efforts to produce a general framework for individual counseling with students who have potential to drop out of high school. Discusses issues of culture conflict or racial alienation in the school environment which may increase dropout risk. (LSR)

A study examined characteristics common among young offenders from rural communities who were involved in multiple-fatality school shootings. Data on six cases involving eight offenders revealed six common offender characteristics: verbal threats, peer rejection, interest in violent media, previous violent behavior, suicidal ideation, and violent…

In an ethnically diverse California high school, high-risk migrant students persevere in school in significantly higher numbers than nonmigrant Mexican American classmates. Migrant Education Program staff foster a sense of belonging and community and facilitate student engagement through caring relationships with students, student access to…

Using the High School and Beyond Survey, explores the impact that 10 organizational features have on teachers' sense of efficacy, sense of community, and expectations of student performance in 353 public high schools. Finds that when background variables are controlled, school organizational features had a major influence on all three…