Students need to know the difference between snitching to get someone in trouble and disclosing disturbing information to save lives, prevent harm, or right a wrong. Elements in the school culture that would encourage students to confide in adults include trust, adults in close proximity, positive school climate, information hotlines, and…

Examines how community has been defined and accomplished in American higher education. Explores the shared beliefs and values evident on college campuses, which are described as intentional communities. Discusses the role of student affairs as the "keeper of community" and outlines the needs of students as individuals and in groups. (RJM)

Using data on 11,835 adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, a series of regression analyses investigated the effects of changing social support on adolescent depression. Decreases in parental and peer support had stronger effects on adolescent depression than did increases in support. (Contains 45 references.)…

This study offers a critical review and analysis of the Social Development Model and social control theory in delinquency. Results show that attachment and commitment to parents, school, and peers is associated with delinquency for both boys and girls. Parental attachment and commitment play a stronger role in female delinquency, while alienation…

Among the features of a good public school choice plan are (1) a clear goal statement; (2) information and counseling for parents in selecting programs for their children; and (3) admissions procedures that are fair and equitable. Cites characteristics of school choice programs in Minnesota and East Harlem, New York. (MLF)

A high school senior found that no one appeared concerned about the effect of a teachers' strike on students. Some students organized against the strike while maintaining a neutral stance. Urges board members to work harder to avoid a breakdown in negotiations. (MLF)

Suggests that the image of children that informs contemporary pedagogy is based upon a paradigm of mastery and control. Opposes the emphasis in teacher education on technical understanding underpinned by an intolerance of and desire to dispell difference. Advocates concern for children rather than rationalistic abstract discourse on…

School climate can be improved by focusing attention on the groups that make up the school community. Suggests ways to recognize students, faculty and staff members, parents and community members, and school board members. (MLF)

Describes the notion of second chances and its application to education. Presents a framework for evaluating second-chance programs based on accessibility and selection, adjustability of applicants, adjusted educational methods, productivity, accreditation, and acknowledgement. Examines possible illusions and rituals preventing a genuine second…

A Connecticut middle school has developed a student plan book that is a communication tool between school and students' homes. Students use the book to record homework assignments and daily grades and take the book home every night so that parents can see the students' grades and assigned homework. (MLF)

Examines conceptions of the nature of organizational effectiveness and the characteristics of effective organizations. Reviews school effectiveness literature. Proposes that school effectiveness be assessed on the basis of performance expectations formulated by constituents and that effectiveness research adopt a configurational approach…

An Iowa farmer remembers how his high school principal and teachers taught him to think and to appreciate music and acquainted him with life's possibilities. (MLF)

Discusses corporate sponsorship/advertising in the public school system as a means of funding educational programs and student sporting events. Opposition to this approach is highlighted, raising the issue of ethics and adult judgments about the proper way to relate to children.(GR)

Four surveys examined middle school students' attitudes toward school. Findings indicated that, regardless of achievement, students in general do not hold positive attitudes toward school. Students classified as high achievers based on achievement data held more positive attitudes toward school than non-high-achieving peers. Findings support…

Examines the views of urban youth on violence and attitudes about schools and education with data obtained through a survey and focus groups. Results between groups on items measuring views about violence were statistically significant. Proposes that school social workers can help youths work with school and community leaders to effect needed…