The problems of education stem from system design, not faulty operation. Traditional education is based on autocratic principles, or order without freedom. The innovative Individual Education design, based on democratic principles, gives students control over their own learning and promotes the development of responsibility, respect,…

Examines academic and pacing performance differences for students who chose between instructor- and self-set deadlines. Finds that students in the two conditions did not differ in academic performance but that students who chose to set their own deadlines missed fewer deadlines and showed accelerated pacing. (KO)

Project SRS (Students Recruiting Students), a recruitment program developed by Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, is described. Student involvement in planning, directing, and implementing the program is discussed. (TE)

Describes how a class "government" is used to organize and manage a first-grade classroom. All students are assigned to one of five committees (math, reading, science, trips, and writing), each of which has specific tasks to perform. Notes that such activities encourage children to take responsibility for their own learning. (MDM)

Group interviews and observations of 477 British secondary students in a personal development planning (PDP) project were analyzed. Both male and female students were highly motivated toward career success, but males had greater confidence in their self-knowledge. The quality of the PDP process was highly influenced by the skills of tutors who…

Activities are described for learning about problem classroom behaviors, the impact of one's manner of attire on one's behavior, and personal responsibility for one's behavior. Learning activities include role playing, making math puzzles, writing personal anecdotes, drawing a persuasive cartoon concerning smoking and discipline, and making bar…

Discusses individual rights versus institutional responsibilities as addressed in the Bill of Rights and Responsibilities for Electronic Learners. Topics addressed include freedom of speech and First Amendment rights; freedom of the press; freedom of assembly; right to privacy; freedom from unreasonable searches; due process; and future issues.…

To disrupt the escalating "arms race" between violent students and their schools, at least 5,000 U.S. elementary and secondary schools now use 1 of several conflict resolution models, including peer mediation, comprehensive whole-school programs, and curricular approaches (violence prevention and law-related education) designed for at-risk…

A five-year study compared high school students participating in school-based work experience programs (SBWEP) to those employed outside in nonschool-supervised work experience (NWE). SBWEP students saw the relationship between jobs and academic skills and felt work was more meaningful. NWE students took fewer classes and reduced activities to…

Differentiates self-esteem from narcissism and traces societal preoccupation with self-esteem. Maintains that placing so much importance on an individual and self-esteem obscures the value of a balance between individuality and mutual responsibility. Describes Montessori's emphasis on the child's inner development and on community and mutual…

This article discusses the advantages of student-led conferences for students with and without disabilities and their families, including increased student involvement, student goal-setting, student reflection, and student responsibility. It describes the steps and positive results from one school district that has adopted the student-led…

Although educators can do little to change students' out-of-school environments, they can use inhouse suspension time to help them behave more responsibly and become more resilient in handling daily pressures. The adult in charge should assume the role of a supportive resource, establish a personal connection with students, listen, take interest,…

Children attending schools that instill character develop a sense of mutual respect, caring, and responsibility and become true citizens. This article profiles 10 schools that best exemplify the Character Education Partnership's 11 principles. Although the principals and teachers of all 10 schools note improved behavior and self-discipline,…

Discusses the importance of involving students in the design and enforcement of campuswide academic integrity policies, and in the education of other students about the importance of academic integrity. Argues that any approach to student discipline must involve a collaboration among faculty, administrative staff, and students. (GCP)

Proposes that a more effective means of student violence prevention involves helping children become more responsible members of families, schools, and neighborhoods. School counselors and school psychologists have an important leadership role in helping reduce violence by promoting the moral dimensions of education, including the development of…