Examines nine school-based peer mediation and conflict resolution projects supported by state health departments in Florida, Maryland, Missouri, and North Carolina, noting project differences regarding targeted students, project consultants, teacher and student training, mediation format, teaching methods/curriculum content, complementary…

Details several instructional strategies for dealing with behavior problems in art education classrooms. These include establishing rules and procedures, structuring routine activities and procedures, monitoring student behavior, using a preplanned approach for dealing with misbehavior, and reflective teaching. (MJP)

This study examined Chinese students' self-presentation bias and continuing motivation for difficult and easy tasks. Students read scenarios about characters who performed tasks, then answered questions about whether the characters and they themselves would do another similar task. Results revealed self-presentation bias among Chinese students…

Examined roles of children's relationships (N=61 children) with their mothers in affecting school adaptation in maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Partially confirmed hypotheses that a secure relationship with mothers fosters positive school adaptation, while an insecure relation would contribute to maladaptive functioning. Results are…

This article examines the qualities of resilient children from difficult life circumstances who manage to beat the odds and succeed, and it discusses ways teachers can help build these strengths in students. The qualities include interpersonal relationship skills, insight, independence, initiative, creativity, and a sense of moral obligation. (SM)

A study examined whether the characteristics of rural communities would limit success of a statewide mentoring program in Nebraska. Surveys of 1,490 students, parents, mentors, and teachers in 10 rural and 23 nonrural schools indicated similar positive changes in student behavior in rural and nonrural schools. Provision of mentors and staff by…

Studied the use of a computer-based instructional package called SuccessMaker with disruptive students to determine its effects on locus of control and grade point average. Results of pretests and posttests showed an improvement in academic outcomes when the intervention was teacher facilitated. (LRW)

The ways in which British Afro-Caribbean students used resistance or contestation to negotiate teacher-student power relations are illustrated, using data from an ethnographic study of school exclusions in five English secondary schools. Situated in their wider racial and gendered positions, students' resistance was a response to their experience…

Identified groups of economically disadvantaged children showing high externalizing behavior in first grade that persisted (persistent) or decreased (improver) in third grade, or low first- grade levels that were stable (unproblematic) or increased (new problem) in third grade. Found that verbal ability, behavioral impulsivity, parent…

Reviews trends in numbers of students excluded from school in England because of behavior problems, illustrating that permanent exclusions are rising. Proposes that causes for exclusion are psychosocial problems, family and social problems, stretched educational resources, and a cultural response to alienated and alienating behavior. Suggests…

Reviews the literature related to student attrition and retention. Discusses findings from a survey of community college students who withdrew from developmental courses, to determine their reasons for leaving. Describes intervention programs that were subsequently developed, including telephone intervention, mentoring, and skills enhancement…

Describes a study that involved a search for a model for the teaching of musical composition to students with some prior experience. Recounts in detail the way students approached the task of composing music, and the compositions they produced. Offers several recommendations for reforming composition instruction. (MJP)

Secondary analysis of the 1993 Metlife survey of teachers' perceptions of and experiences with violence examined the issue in more detail. Most teachers felt safe and had not experienced violence. They perceived violence as more likely in secondary schools, urban schools, and schools with predominantly minority student populations. (SM)

Describes two elementary teachers' efforts to adapt and implement cooperative learning strategies to meet urban second graders' educational needs. The teachers divided students into groups and created jobs and a system of accountability. Students viewed videotapes of their group activities and evaluated themselves. (SM)

Describes a study comparing the characteristics of college-ready and academically underprepared community college students. Reports that underprepared students demonstrated higher levels of test anxiety and a more external locus of control, but did not differ from college-ready students in self-esteem, grade point average, or learning-study…