Discusses intervention options that help prevent violence in schools by affecting the school climate. Describes five approaches to improve the school climate: (1) parent and community involvement; (2) character education; (3) violence-prevention and conflict-resolution curricula; (4) peer mediation; and (5) bullying prevention. (CMK)

Lists nine criteria for extra-year programs that would satisfy many proponents and opponents of such programs. (BG)

Examines diversity in home visiting by considering policy and program design decisions related to the content of the visit, relations between the parent and the home visitor, and individualization of the visit. (BG)

Results are reported from a study of 204 elementary and secondary health education majors who were surveyed to determine if differences exist on the relative importance of selected health content areas, including first aid and safety, nutrition, emotional health, dental health, disease, alcohol/tobacco/drugs, sex education, and body systems. (IAH)

Discusses the results of a survey in which participants at evening campfire programs on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina were asked to rate their degree of interest in different types and topics of interpretive programs, and to rate different reasons for attending programs. (LZ)

Although music performance classes may include one or two public concerts each year, these concerts should not be the main class focus. Fine music programs can be identified by their balance, curriculum quality, activity level, and opportunity for students of all abilities. (MLH)

A description is given of the goals and the activities of a residential summer experience at the Pocono Environmental Education Center (PEEC). The program was designed for at-risk high school students. Cognitive and affective needs were addressed within a framework of outdoor environmental studies. Evaluation findings are reported. (IAH)

Examines the current status of existing curricula, accreditation requirements, and new developments in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering education in the United States. Discusses the emerging needs of the maritime industry in light of advances in information technology and movement toward risk-based, reliability-centered rule making in the…

Explores the structure and content of statistical training in U.S. undergraduate psychology programs. Presents the results and provides comments on curricular structure and on statistical instruction. Discusses options for addressing issues of course sequencing, content focus, and advanced-level offerings in the major. (CMK)

Describes National History Day, a year-long program using history to teach students research, analysis, and communication skills, in which students from grades 6-12 research topics related to an annual theme. Focuses on the 1998 contest with the theme of "Migration in History: Peoples, Cultures, Ideas." (CMK)

Reports on an evaluation of an undergraduate program in industrial/organizational psychology (College of New Jersey) five years after its implementation in order to assess the effectiveness of the program and identify areas in need of change. Describes the program and makes recommendations for future directions. (CMK)

Reconstructs the discourse of the German youth and life-reform movement with regard to the attraction for the model of the "new" social movements that was developed for pedagogics. Shows that these cultural countermovements produced considerable enthusiasm by adhering to a program called "Social Reform through self-reform."…

Offers a description of innovations in the sociology program at Santa Clara University (California) focusing on the three stage approach to program improvement: (1) mission/vision; (2) time budgets (continuity between goals and effort); and (3) effectiveness. Discusses additional lessons that may be useful for other campuses. (CMK)

Discusses the experience of developing and directing a fiddle group that included both students and adults. States that adult volunteers within the fiddle group are critical to its success. Includes tips for starting a fiddle group. (CMK)

Presents an interview with James Newton Howard, a film composer. Provides background information on Howard. Addresses topics such as his most challenging and rewarding scores, his musical background, and the benefits of being associated with the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). (CMK)