A University of Michigan policy barred harassment or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, handicapped, or Vietnam-veteran status. It was declared unconstitutional because it violated First Amendment rights. University officials may rewrite policy or…

Studies the attitudes of 271 high school students and seven teachers to determine the sources of classroom misbehavior. Concludes that sanctions on student behavior have little impact while an orderly school environment may have the greatest effect. (FMW)

Describes a study that asked teachers and student-teachers to nominate their most noticeable pupils regarding ability, achievement, behavior, and teacher's preoccupation with them, as defined in eight school-related categories. Findings indicate that boys are perceived as the majority of salient students. (JS)

A study of 683 first graders in Baltimore (Maryland) examined the effects of the amount of children's kindergarten experience on first-grade performance. It appears that kindergarten contributes more to cognitive improvement rather than socialization. (TJH)

Stresses the usefulness of teaching the arts, especially drama, in classes for behaviorally disordered students. Discusses the problems created by a lack of time, money, trained teachers, and the demand for a back to the basics curriculum. Concludes that inclusion of drama in curriculum can reap many benefits for troubled youth. (KO)

Presents the background, methodology and results of a controlled study of student achievement and behavior comparing a traditional teacher-centered class to one in which students participated in cooperative learning. Reports the results for academic achievement as inconclusive and on-task behavior as significantly better for the cooperative…

Describes an eighth grade reading teacher's program which involved students visiting elderly adults in nursing homes. Argues that the experience provided the context for students to deal with responsibility in a realistic setting, and that the positive circumstances encouraged them to share their experiences in oral and written form. (RS)

Certain characteristics, behavioral traits, and ethical qualities are essential for principals' effectiveness. Expediency and effectiveness rarely coexist. Through daily acts of omission and commission, principals profoundly affect what is valued in schools. Some guiding principles are outlined, along with sample situations (parent-teacher…

Explains the two dominant conceptualizations of freedom--positive and negative--in the history of Western social and political thought, applies them to how public and private colleges interpret and judge student behavior, and offers a model of interpretation that incorporates both definitions more fully into student affairs practice. (Author)

Asserts that many beginning teachers or faculty members have similar misconceptions about teaching and students. Presents and discusses six recommendations for beginning instructors of history. Concludes by describing three changes in higher education that have occurred during the past decade. (CFR)

Reports on a study of two introductory sociology courses to determine whether informal writing assignments can aid learning. Finds that requiring students to keep journals did not significantly improve performance on essay tests. Asserts that teachers may be justified in requiring attendance as a strategy for increased learning. (CFR)

Describes how teachers' casual talk is, in fact, instruction and can have as much effect as direct instruction. Examines the impact on students of the teacher's language behaviors and how changes in those behaviors can change student classroom responses. (ET)

This study examined contexts that influenced urban high school physical educators' conceptualizations of realistic student goals, noting how teachers changed curriculum content to handle student noncompliance. Field notes and interviews indicated that teachers substantially changed their programs over time, and many programs exhibited…

Contends that, although social studies teachers want students to think, research indicates that most teaching emphasizes knowledge, leaving few opportunities for students to think about it. Discusses criteria to assist teachers and strategies that promote student thinking. (CFR)

Describes the Barkestorp Project that investigated the teaching and learning process for Swedish elementary school children after libraries had been introduced into the curriculum. Highlights include planning by principals, teachers, and librarians; the librarian's role; cooperation between teachers and librarians; student behavior; library…