Paper presented at the Fifteenth Duke University Conference on Teaching the Social Studies.

Professional literature about managing conflicts associated with declining enrollments indicates the existing tension in this area. A research study shows that, while upper-middle class districts may succeed using a rational approach to decision making, lower class districts, for various reasons, may not. Special problems of urban districts are…

The process of course accreditation revealed basic, unresolved ideological differences within the disciplines that affected course development. Certain curriculum development procedures are recommended to help avoid or resolve these conflicts and facilitate accreditation. (MSE)

"Policy" has emerged as an organizing vehicle for encouraging innovation and guiding administrative decisions in academe. Barriers to innovation are identified as: general, faculty, administrative, and personal resistance. The development of leadership familiar with the nature and function of policy as an organizing concept is essential. (MLW)

Describes frustration theory as useful for generalists in identification and specification of goals, assessment of blocks to goal attainment, problem solving, and formation of action systems. Proposes a theoretical base for understanding client systems, and helps workers to assess their behavior in relation to their professional and personal…

In the early 1970s neighborhood movements developed around the concept of community integrity. As institutions expanded, neighbors began to fight encroachment on their way of life. Three case studies involving disputes between expanding urban universities and their neighborhoods reveal similarities in the development and resolution of…

A seven-step, behaviorally based, decision-making process was taught to children ages nine to ten years. As compared to a no-treatment control group, children receiving the decision-making training obtained significantly greater scores. (Author)

The article briefly explains three stages of small group development and suggests ways to apply existing knowledge of group dynamics to outdoor education settings. The article explains the role of expectation, conflict, and stress in behavior change that occurs in the context of extended field excursions. (SB)

For females only, the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) tests of 128 college students showed: (1) dissimilar concepts of self and others, ranking least-to-most sex typed in the order predicted; (2) inaccurate perceptions of the other sex's ideal; and (3) association of sex typing with poor adjustment. Results are discussed. (Author)

The need for pre-marital preparation and its current status is discussed. Group counseling is supported as the technique best suited to meet this need. Both the benefits and limitations of this method are noted. (Author)

This paper deals with helping high school students cope with family stress and locating community resources. (YRJ)

Discusses research on homosexuality, including origins and physiology. Claims that teachers play an important role in developing and maintaining the classroom as a psychologically safe and appreciative environment. Provides suggestions on how teachers should handle biases. Concludes that by treating all children with respect and dignity, teachers…

Describes the variety of summer training programs for teachers that gives them opportunities for professional growth in tolerance-related education. The 10 programs reviewed address issues such as character education, African American culture, the Holocaust, values education, gender issues, and other aspects of multicultural education and conflict…

For two Arizona schools with widely diverse ethnic makeup and socioeconomic backgrounds, the arts became a medium for defusing the potential for conflict. During spring 1995, sixth graders from both schools participated in "New Beginnings," a collaborative poetry and visual arts project. Through their interactions, the children created a…

Describes a conflict resolution program now being used in many schools. Offers practical advice for addressing conflicts and lists ways that schools and communities can work together to resolve conflicts in creative ways. Provides vignettes that show how the program works. (RJM)