Many children are targets of verbal and physical abuse or social ostracism at some point during their school careers, and a minority are repeatedly victimized by their peers. This volume brings together leading investigators to present the latest psychological research on chronically victimized children and adolescents. The book's introduction…

The Learning Environment Inventory (LEI) was administered to tenth-grade biology classes (N=572) in urban and kibbutz district schools in Israel. Findings indicated that seven out of nine scales of the LEI yield significant differences in scores for urban and kibbutz samples indicating a more positive learning climate in the kibbutz. (Author/DS)

Describes a kindergarten activity of dissecting owl pellets as a vehicle for promoting new partnerships and friendships. Argues that pairing children for activities based on gender, varying ethnicities, and differing abilities allows children to break down barriers and gives them experiences with children other than their best friends. (SD)

Articulates an expanded vision of citizenship education that incorporates two powerful reform movements: character education and community service. Addresses the reservations teachers have about initiating these programs and provides suggestions for organization and administration. Includes a list of student-designed citizenship education…

Offers some examples of integrating character education into curriculum and instruction through service learning and provides a rationale for incorporating service learning throughout the grades. Briefly summarizes educational research supporting service learning and identifies five critical elements of service learning projects. Provides a list…

Examines the planning, implementation, and mission of the Clearinghouse for Character Education at California State University, Fresno. Materials collected at the Clearinghouse include samples of model programs, research, contacts for program development, and instructional resources for teachers, schools, and districts interested in character…

Reports on the background and philosophical base of the Community of Caring program. Originally started as a teen pregnancy prevention effort, the program has grown to include teacher training, values discussion, student forums, parent involvement, and community service learning. The program is sponsored through the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation.…

Five articles explore how to manage difficult classroom behavior: (1) "Responding Professionally and Compassionately to Challenging Behavior"; (2) "Developmental Issues that Affect Behavior"; (3) "Norman and the Bunny: A Story," on children's responses; (4) "Hard Joys: Managing Behavior with a Creative Mind and a…

Suggests that children who have experienced personal autonomy sufficient to develop a sense of responsibility for the consequences of their actions tend to experience less stress and receive more affectionate treatment from their mothers. Briefly summarizes previous research that supports these findings. (MJP)

Endorses the movement, popular among parents and teachers, for implementing ethical instruction in the K-12 curriculum. Discusses the needs and benefits of such instruction. Examines the question of "whose values" are to be taught, and arrives at a consensus of core values, including honesty, compassion, self-discipline, and respect.…

The combination of economic hardship, limited access to supportive services, and the psychological burden of oppression have combined to disadvantage African-American children and place significant obstacles in the way of their development. This special issue assembles a group of articles focusing on the development of African-American children.…

Lists doctoral dissertations that were completed during 1996 that relate to children and adults with hearing impairments, including the education of children who are deaf or hard of hearing, early intervention, hearing loss, teacher inservice training, cochlear implants, substance abuse, sign language, and socialization. (CR)

Comments on problems raised in this special issue, focusing on the distinctive aspects of the risk research reported. Highlights issues like sample characteristics, measurement strategies, specificity of risk factors, and risk mechanisms. Discusses the challenges of integrating alternative models of risk, with special references to research into…

Examined the social, academic, emotional functioning, and the social support systems of teenage Asian American students. Ninety-nine students were compared to 404 Caucasian students. Results show that Asian American students exhibited less delinquent behavior and better academic performance, but were significantly more isolated, depressed, and…

Maintains that teachers can convert social studies to "prosocial" studies by emphasizing the role of caring and empathy as a response to social problems. Briefly addresses integrating the concept of caring into discussions concerning personal relationships and community issues. Advocates modeling behavior and cooperative learning. (MJP)