Reports a case study of a large regional high school's approach to creating and maintaining a school code of conduct. Describes the goals and processes of the "Jefferson Committee" and examines its outcomes for the school's students, faculty, and administrators. (Author)

Studies show that children who have trouble making and keeping friends during their early years often develop negative attitudes toward school. Friends provide important functions in child development, which include supplying emotional and cognitive resources. Friends also help one another develop social skills. (MLF)

An educational planning strategy is presented to assist students in assuming an active role in individualized education program conferences. Using the acronym "I PLAN," students learn to inventory their strengths and weaknesses; provide the information on inventory sheets; listen and respond; ask questions; and name their goals. (JDD)

Describes a course organized in terms of an "exploration of narrative," in which students read and write stories grounded in their own and other students' lives and concerns. Asserts that students' stories are an avenue for the students' various home communities to intersect with the culture of schools. (MM)

The article explores state (particularly Oregon's) programs' problems in trying to serve the needs of the ever-increasing number of disadvantaged elementary school students. Increased services are needed to identify at-risk students and help them as soon as possible with programs that have a lasting impact. (CB)

Argues that the purpose of school--of language and the language arts--is to empower children as public individuals, to give them tools to express their own visions of the world in the public arena. (RAE)

Examined commuter college students' (n=326) involvement in the university community. Results refute myth that commuter college students do not want to be involved or feel a part of the university community. Claims debunking myths about commuter students is a prerequisite to providing effective services and programs for students today. (ABL)

Discusses the role of education in preventing student from undertaking high-risk health behaviors such as smoking or using drugs. Lists the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommended components for a comprehensive school health program. (MAB)

Discusses how an urban renewal project created a playground for the mind, inspiring the study of science, math, and technology. The area's use of its natural surroundings to inspire curiosity and evoke an interest in learning by stimulating the senses is described. Photos and diagrams are included. (GR)

Discusses how architects redesigned an old, dark, and brooding school building into a school whose architecture, and the physical environment it creates, play a positive role in student learning. Photos and a floorplan are included. (GR)

Volatile crisis situations, if carefully managed, can improve relationships between adults and youth. Article describes instances of serious rule violations that presented opportunities for teaching prosocial skills to youth. (Author/JDM)

Describes an educational program that involves students in the construction process to help them better understand the entire operation and expose them to new ways of thinking about the structure around them. (GR)

Argues that there is no clear association between greater school facility improvements and higher boosts in the levels of student achievement. (GR)

Student focus groups persuaded a Kentucky school district to modify a proposed security plan. The Partnership for Kentucky Schools, a coalition of business working for continuous improvement, has produced a detailed guide "Turn Up the Volume: The Students Speak Toolkit" for schools seeking to conduct quality research. (MLF)

A study of 8 children (ages 5-7) with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia found returning to school was a major milestone and that school serves as the mechanism by which young survivors approach the process of living each day. Attendance obstacles are discussed, along with guidelines for maintaining school as a priority. (Contains references.) (CR)