Compared drinking patterns and level of alcohol knowledge in two samples of college students who visited Daytona Beach, Florida, during their spring breaks in 1981 and 1991 (n=3,368). Found significant reductions between 1981 and 1991 in number of students who were drinkers and amount they consumed. Significant increases in alcohol knowledge were…

Assessed substance use by 2,125 students in grades 4 through 12 and explored differences between students' reported substance use and parents' perceptions of student use. While all parents believed that some students were using cigarettes, alcohol, or marijuana, they underestimated percentage of students in their child's grade who reported use of…

Contends that counselors working with public school students needs to be aware of the four main levels of involvement in the occult (fun-and-games, dabblers, serious involvement, and criminal involvement). Each of the four levels is described, warning signs are identified, and the counselor's role is explained as one of support and prevention. (NB)

A sample of 18- to 23-year-old workforce entrants (N=332) was broken into subsamples. Study 1 found support for detached and interactive job-search behavior which seemed to represent different levels of emotional involvement in the job-search process. Study 2 involved working college students (N=117) and found that extroverts favored interactive…

In exploring peace education in South Africa, the paper reviews a research report on the subject, focusing on the needs of children and youth and on the range of programmatic and research initiatives already working in this field. Summarizes three issues: recommended policy guidelines related to peace education for South-African children,…

The benefits of school uniforms far outweigh their short-term costs. School uniforms not only keep students safe, but they increase their self-esteem, promote a more positive attitude toward school, lead to improved student behavior, and help blur social-class distinctions. Students are allowed to wear their own political or religious messages,…

A poorly managed alternative high school was turned around when a new, safety-minded administration envisioned and developed a set of values. The new learning-community contract requires students to treat other people respectfully, appreciate diversity, pursue their education diligently, obey school rules, and conduct themselves honorably. (MLH)

Students exposed to conflict-resolution and peer-mediation programs learn skills to communicate more effectively at school, at home, and in the community. This paper discusses student conflicts, student responses to conflict, implementing conflict resolution and peer mediation, integration of conflict resolution and peer mediation into the…

A study examined the effect of music on lunchroom noise level and on the behaviors of children requiring intervention. When classical music was played, the noise level dropped an average of six decibels. Popular music decreased the noise level by 10 decibels. Both types of music decreased behavioral interventions. (CR)

Investigated differences in oral-language development, emergent literacy skills, mathematical reasoning and concepts, and behavior for full-day versus half-day kindergarten students in the Irving (Texas) Independent School District. Found statistically significant advantages for the full-day program, particularly for English-speaking students.…

Emphasizes the importance of teaching elementary students performance and audience etiquette through example and repetition. Contends that elementary music teachers can educate their students about certain "ground rules" for social conduct through basic standards for students when in the role of performer and audience member. (CMK)

Teachers need sound skills and knowledge to manage their classrooms effectively. Without rules, rewards, and consequences, students will care little about learning. This paper discusses managing with an overall plan, motivating students using rewards, viewing consequences as results, and examining the task ahead. Suggests that guidelines and…

Discusses risk factors in the formative years that contribute to children developing antisocial behavior. Describes three types of prevention to divert children from a destructive path, and outlines one such program in Oregon for kindergartners. (SR)

Investigated middle and high school counselors' perceptions of adolescent health-compromising behaviors and motivations to intervene. Data from a survey based on protection motivation theory showed differences in counselors' perceptions of the severity of risk-taking behaviors. Perceptions were highly correlated with intentions to seek out…

"America's Kindergartners," a National Center for Education Statistics report, suggests that kindergarten is becoming increasingly academic. Children's scores on the 1998-99 Early Childhood Study-Kindergarten reflected their mothers' educational and racial/ethnic backgrounds. Two-thirds of black and Hispanic kids fall into the lowest…