As part of its "Youth-at-Risk" initiative, the national Cooperative Extension System assisted communities across the nation in setting up school-age child care (SACC) programs that provide after-school care to at-risk students. Evaluation of 31 SACC programs in California revealed increased prosocial behavior, decreased problem behavior,…

Maintains that the use of electronic mail to link students from other states and nations is an effective way to heighten student interest and improve instruction. Describes electronic pen pal programs linking students in New Zealand, England, and Kansas. (CFR)

Contends that, although many teachers feel discouraged about working with at-risk students, social studies courses provide the ideal place for teachers to intervene with these students. Defines and discusses at-risk students and their needs. Includes 18 recommended instructional strategies for working with high-risk students. (CFR)

Maintains that educators can achieve instructional goals if students are provided with effective and interesting curricular activities. Describes the Entrepreneurship Economic Education Project in Clark County, Nevada. Asserts that it could serve as a model for community involvement in economics education. (CFR)

Asserts that multicultural education is an integral part of the school curriculum. Describes a three-week interdisciplinary unit on China combining social studies, language arts, mathematics, the arts, and computer skills. Includes a list of children's literature, a sample lesson, and a map of China. (CFR)

Asserts that attempting to grasp the immensity of numbers used to describe the U.S. national debt, proven oil reserves, and other social statistics is becoming more and more difficult. Describes a program in which preservice elementary teachers created activities to help develop the skill of civic numeracy. (CFR)

Discusses the issue of hate-motivated violence and special laws aimed at deterrence. Presents a secondary school lesson to help students define hate speech and understand constitutional issues related to the topic. Includes three student handouts, student learning objectives, instructional procedures, and a discussion guide. (CFR)

Reports on a study tour of China and argues that, although China has bright, highly motivated students, the country has serious problems. Discusses the impact of the Cultural Revolution and presents four case studies exemplifying issues in Chinese education. Includes two teaching activities based on the report. (CFR)

Maintains that three types of social studies activities are found on the information highway: (1) electronic mail; (2) information; and (3) conferencing. Describes examples of each. Discusses commercial services and resource materials and provides references to online services. (CFR)

Asserts that linking music ensemble programs and cooperative learning strategies often has been overlooked. Describes the benefits of cooperative learning techniques for music performance preparation. Concludes that the small-group approach can enhance traditional music programs by offering students the chance to make their own decisions. (CFR)

Describes an eighth grade computer literacy course in which students used spreadsheet programs to illustrate statistics for classroom presentations. Discusses the use of color and animation in graphs, and the value of active participation using technology to increase student motivation, retention, and self-expression. (AEF)

Asserts that exposure to high-quality arts performances with accompanying educational experiences enlivens teaching and learning. Maintains that few schools have taken advantage of opportunities provided by arts-presenting institutions. Describes resources from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. (CFR)

Maintains that undergraduate sociology students often are intimidated by course requirements in statistics and research methods. Describes course content and instructional strategies used to enhance student understanding and motivation. Reports that student evaluations of the course were uniformly positive. (CFR)

Maintains that literacy and informed decision making in an uncertain world require the ability to reason statistically. Describes a course designed to help students use statistical concepts as tools for social reasoning within simulations of real-world problems. Describes four types of instructional activities used. (CFR)

Examines the role of mathematics in the Montessori curriculum. Suggests three areas important to the strengthening of prenumber concepts: logical quantification (one-to-one matching); logical classification (including open-ended sorting); and recognition, continuation, and creation of patterns. Suggests activities that establish foundations for…