When taught social skills such as asking for help, working with others, and making decisions, children are better able to face lifes challenges. This guide offers theories behind and practices for consciously teaching social skills and applying them in the classroom setting to build a sense of community through shared experience and honorable…

This executive summary describes the implementation and effects of Project Transition, a program designed to help high school freshmen succeed by combining three strategies: student-teacher clusters with shared schedules, extra time for teachers to work together, and teacher coaching to support instructional change. Project Transition was…

This document provides the framework for six other related documents in a series that focuses on diversity in the classroom. Section 1, "Introduction," explains that children in any Canadian classroom are not homogeneous, and such diversity presents teachers with challenges and obligations. The chapter reviews the subjects addressed in…

This teacher's guide is part of a multiculturally sensitive teaching package to promote health-enhancing nutrition concepts for Florida public high school students. These nutrition promotion materials are intended to be incorporated into life skills management, home economics, physical education, or life science classes. The guide includes…

This bulletin reviews the results of a survey of college administrators and security officials by the Harvard School of Public Health concerning their schools' policies regarding alcohol problems on campus. A total of 529 respondents from 347 public and private four-year institutions were asked to complete a mailed questionnaire which examined…

Poor social skills among young elementary school students can result in lack of cooperation with others and an inability to resolve conflicts. This action research project examined the impact of a program for improving social competence through improving listening skills, cooperation, respect for others, and respect for authority. Participating in…

The connection between knowing the right or good thing to do, and then actually doing it has long been a puzzle. "Watch what we do, not what we say" goes beyond the revealing admission of a former Attorney General of the United States to the broader reality of human behavior. Parents, teachers, employers, religious educators, and society…

A study compared the characteristics of 473 students with emotional/behavioral disabilities in four sequential special education placements (resource rooms, special classes, special schools, and residential schools). Results found that secondary students in resource rooms exhibited more maladaptive behavior than younger resource room students, and…

Describes an intraprofessional collaboration between a graduate program in art therapy and expressive therapies, an urban public school system, and a community mental health agency. Examines the important role of art and expressive therapies in providing services to underserved, at-risk children in public schools. Suggests the development of a…

The choice theory holds that people can control only their own behavior, and that all people need a sense of belonging, freedom, power, and fun. This article argues that teachers must recognize that these needs motivate student behavior, and describes how a middle school turned its discipline and achievement problems around by using choice theory.…

Describes changes in children, schooling, and behavior that have occurred during the 20th century. Argues for the construction of a comprehensive advisory program at the middle level, connected to the central mission of the school to achieve the outcomes of high achievement, good citizenship, strong self-concepts based on attainment, and…

This study investigated middle school organizational patterns and their impact on teachers' efficacy and perceptions of the working environment. Analysis of survey responses by 81 eighth grade teachers indicated that teachers on interdisciplinary teams with common planning time were significantly more positive than were teachers on…

Observations and interviews with white high school physical educators and minority students examined perceptions of power and conflict. Both groups noted conflicts of interest related to the value of an educational focus for the class. Both parties attempted to use their resources and power to achieve their valued goals. (SM)

Women from three teacher education programs discussed their experiences as student teachers in high schools. Their stories highlighted frequent harassment of female student teachers by male students, and the fact that viewing women as sex objects was commonplace. Recommends incorporation of ideas from Carol Gilligan and others in student teaching…

Considers two complementary ways of teaching conflict resolution in schools: special training sessions focusing specifically on conflict resolution; and more diffuse but substantiated conflict resolution opportunities integrated into academic coursework. Vignettes from two schools illustrate the different strengths of curricular and…