Investigates the self-reported relationships among fifth- and sixth-grade students' achievement goals in mathematics, their negative affects about making mistakes, and their self-regulatory beliefs and behaviors. A theory of achievement goals and affect is proposed; practical and theoretical implications of the role of negative affect in…

Two surveys examined role of present and possible future academic selves in sixth through eighth graders. Results indicated that positive present and future academic self-concepts related to positive changes in grade point average from sixth to seventh grade. A present good-student self-concept related positively to performance and mastery goals.…

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, 64 percent of its 660 schools increased their norm-referenced test scores from 1998 to 1999. Success stems from a clear, districtwide approach to standards-based learning and broad-based communication about student and school gains. Bancroft Middle School's results-driven approach is profiled. (MLH)

An effective orientation program helps new board members understand that there is already a functioning board, no member knows everything, open discussion of interpersonal issues is essential, board members must focus on agendas, and the superintendent is the sole administrative contact and conduit to other administrative staff. (MLH)

Examines a specific program termination (in social work) to determine how universities interpret and apply the goals of their strategic plans. Finds that institutional actors hold different perceptions of the strategic plan goals and their relevance to the terminated program. Suggests that colleges and universities need to clarify strategic plan…

In this article different views of the nature of perfectionism in gifted students are discussed. Three experts in the field of giftedness address their previous articles and findings on perfectionism and debate whether "healthy" perfectionism can exist in gifted students. (CR)

Adolescents view sexual orientation, especially homosexuality, as a very sensitive subject. Homosexuality is also a culturally sensitive topic; views on its appropriateness as a classroom subject vary widely from country to country. An English teacher at the International School of Brussels explains how he uses literature and essay writing to…

Challenging obstacles that adolescent lesbians encounter are described; strategies for creating a supportive environment for students forming their adolescent identity, regardless of sexual orientation, are presented. Homophobia, identity development, isolation and passing, coming out, and minority issues are discussed. Direct intervention, staff…

A public relations model provided the basis for the five-step ROPES college fund-raising model: (1) research on the institution, the funding opportunity, and the publics targeted; (2) objective setting for both office output and program impact; (3) programming to meet those objectives; (4) evaluation of the effectiveness, not just efficiency, of…

Emphasizes the need to accommodate growing cultural and educational diversity among first-year college students. Describes several programs designed to address freshmen needs including a two-day orientation program; a mentoring scheme; and a course unit to improve teamwork and communication skills, increase awareness of university facilities, and…

Native American trickster stories teach lessons about inappropriate social behavior or roles through satire. Frequent targets of such lessons are gender relations, expectations, and transgressions, most notably male licentiousness. Lessons concerning inappropriate female behavior may be conveyed through female trickster stories, found mainly in…

The Boy Scouts of America's anti-gay and anti-atheist youth policies are forcing school districts to reconsider sponsoring troops and allowing meetings on campus. To most school boards, banning Boy Scouts organizations seems unthinkable. The meeting-space question boils down to existence of anti-discrimination policies. (MLH)

Compared reports of gay and heterosexual male college students about particular behaviors and feelings during childhood and adolescence. Results were interpreted as providing general support for Bell's heterogamy principle that regardless of one's sexual orientation, romantic attachments will be to people perceived different from one's self.…

A Washington University (Missouri) law school program for new faculty has four elements: a publication, "Things I Wish I Had Known as a New Faculty Member"; orientation sessions on teaching, creating and grading exams, pursuing scholarship, and dealing with law reviews; formal mentoring; and a detailed question-and-answer memo about the…

Recommendations for supporting new teachers include providing basic organizational information for the new teacher; facilitating effective communication among administrators and teachers, the new teacher, and other faculty and staff; and providing time for the new teacher and other adults working in the classroom to get acquainted, to clarify…