A program, Communities in Schools (CIS), which matches at-risk students with community volunteers to act as role models and tutors is described. The reactions of prospective student teachers that participated in the program are presented. Journal entries from these student teachers' experiences are included. (KR)

Describes a project in a kindergarten classroom in which a professor, graduate assistant, the classroom teacher, and parents served as writing role models during the daily journal writing time. After 7 to 10 days of the project, children labeled their drawings, wrote about a variety of topics, copied adults' writing, experimented with print, and…

Describes four community college peer mentoring programs implemented at Niagara County Community College (New York) to update faculty members' skills, promote cross-discipline cooperation, improve new/adjunct faculty teaching, and improve teaching skills through interdisciplinary mentor teams. Analyzes results of the peer mentor projects. (MAB)

Discusses the need to provide appropriate materials in school libraries that offer support to gay and lesbian teens. Topics addressed include the presentation of role models, in fiction as well as in biographies; religious diversity; confidentiality of circulation records; and censorship issues. (LRW)

The research focusing on the science achievement and career selection of females and the relationship of these variables to attitudinal characteristics is examined. The effects of classroom variables, such as questioning differences, expectations of students, and student interest, are also discussed. (KR)

Young girls, Blacks, and Hispanics have few role models in the scientific and engineering communities, so parents are crucial. National reform is underway in mathematics and science education, and parents can participate through PTAs and by working with teachers. A list of resources is included. (SM)

Examined perception of 42 African-American student affairs professionals toward racism, campus climate, affirmative action, and role modeling. Respondents indicated that they perceived affirmative action programs and policies to be effective ways to remedy past discrimination practices. Most believed that their institutions were actively…

To motivate students, teachers should involve students in setting objectives, individualize objectives, set priorities, demonstrate a subject's relevance, help students learn to learn, create positive first experiences, introduce the unfamiliar through the familiar, appeal to student interest and curiosity, reward success, vary strategies, and…

Describes the Deaf Mentor Experimental Project, which provided deaf-mentor services to young deaf children, ages 0 to 5, and their families. Deaf adults (mentors) shared their language (American Sign Language), culture, and personal knowledge of deafness while serving as role models for the children. Program children made greater language gains…

A study of 10 Cypriotturkish young people in British universities identified the factors they perceive as having had an impact on their achievement. Negative experiences in secondary and higher education included teachers' low expectations, racism, and lack of role models/mentors. Women were more aware of these issues than men were. (JOW)

Presents seven elements of a safe classroom in controversy-driven courses, where students can exchange ideas rather than emotions as they learn and discuss. The elements are: collegiality, empowerment, role modeling, preparation, shared purpose, reflection, and commitment. Explains how teachers can create and nurture safe classrooms, describing…

Provides a rationale for teaching about Malcolm X and recommends instructional strategies and suggested materials. The author also offers additional suggestions for activities that can engage students to make other historical connections. (GR)

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Trading Cards Program to positively influence elementary students' (n=829) perceptions about the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. The program used drug-free high school students to model behaviors and social competencies. Significant differences were found between elementary students in the…

Considers the concept of heroes historically and currently. Explains that the media and the disillusionment in society have contributed to a confusion between celebrity and heroism. Discusses the role of the social studies educator in encouraging notions of heroism that develop effective citizenship and embody moral and ethnic heritage. (CMK)

Recent research, as well as personal reports from children and young adults, confirms the importance of a father or father figure being present. This article infuses research findings and person testimonies from young men who have reflected upon the importance of a father. Implications for schools and society are also discussed. (Author)