Observes that a major challenge for a general music teacher is to make music enjoyable for students and also assist them in learning music concepts. Illustrates that music teachers can accomplish both of these goals when educating students with special needs. Offers three examples where each special-needs student enjoyed and learned about music.…

Three responses to an article on implications for teacher education of school violence examine: (1) teacher educators' roles in preparing teachers to detect problems in students; (2) the need for family involvement (because trying to reach students in school is too late); and (3) reasons for school violence (family influence, parent…

Describes peer leadership components within a community-wide trial to prevent alcohol use and related youth problems. Seventh and eighth graders could be elected or volunteer as peer leaders. Surveys indicated that at baseline, both types of leaders had fewer problem behaviors than non-peer leaders. Following the 7th-grade curriculum, alcohol use…

The Florida School Violence Policies and Programs Study assessed characteristics of violence prevention and control policies and education in Florida's school districts. Most districts report increased student violence. They have responded with policies and programs to a greater extent than have districts nationwide. Most districts offer relevant…

Evaluated two adolescent tobacco-cessation programs based on stages of change: an educational program for adolescents not yet thinking about quitting and a cessation program for adolescents ready to quit. Participant evaluation indicated that both interventions successfully helped reduce adolescent smoking. The educational program was the most…

Tested the construct validity of an effective psychosocial smoking-prevention curriculum on mediating variables considered responsible for decreasing adolescent smoking initiation, examining Social Cognitive Theory constructs hypothesized as essential for program effectiveness. Results of data from 6th graders in treatment and comparison groups…

Investigated ethnic and gender differences in frequency of use and healthfulness of bag lunches at school. Surveys of middle school students and their parents indicated that one-half of students brought bag lunches, with boys doing so more often than girls. There were ethnic differences in the use of seven foods and whether foods were regular or…

Three studies evaluated the impact of the Home Instruction Programme for Preschool and Year One Youngsters (HIPPY) on New Zealand children's reading ability, school readiness, and school behavior. Findings indicated that HIPPY children showed consistently better performance that control group children on all measures used, with differences…

Examines the relationship between students' exposure to violence and symptoms of depression and hostility. Survey revealed that males had greater exposure to violence than females; exposure to violence was predictive of hostility for both genders; and predictive of depression for females. Suggests clinicians help adolescents make sense of events…

Researchers have found no stable relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement or other desirable behaviors. In psychological studies, the most self-assured subjects were more likely to want to harm someone. Healthy self-esteem comes from achievement. Schools should support and promote accomplishment over "feel-good"…

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requires the IEP team to identify ameliorative resources and/or disciplinary measures for disruptive students. A BIP (behavior intervention plan) provides appropriate behavioral programming and related social and psychological services. IDEA does not prohibit principals from reporting crimes to…

Presents the results of Dr. Ernest Pascarella's National Study of Student Learning, which investigates institutional influences on learning and cognitive development. Presents examples of positive and negative influences on student learning. Outlines recommendations that can influence institutional programs regarding first-generation students,…

Administered standardized measures of cognitive ability, academic achievement, classroom learning behavior, and school social-emotional adjustment to students aged 6-17 years (N=1,268). Analyses revealed four distinct and reliable student performance factors (Disciplined Behavior, Motivation, Verbal Learning, Nonverbal Learning). The performance…

Reanalyzes classroom discussion data using a social-enactment theoretical orientation and a substantive framework based on gendered classroom interactions, multiple subjectivities, and power relationships. Analyzes actions and interactions of two highly visible 12th graders in during an academic year in an Advanced Placement English class. Finds…

Ex-Education Minister Stephen Byers claimed that "laddish behaviour" was in part responsible for English boys' academic underachievement. Presents and discusses students' responses to Byers' claim. Draws data from the semi-structured interviews of a study with 100 14-16-year-old students. (CMK)