Discusses the gradual rise in teenage suicides since the 1950s, and offers some pointers for using writing (with "Romeo and Juliet" as source literature) as a basis for group discussion. Adds that suicide is a theme and a reality that can be addressed in the English classroom. (NKA)

Provides an edited version of the Supreme Court opinions in "TLO v New Jersey." Includes an article delineating the new rules on student searches that have resulted from the court decision. A third article discusses questionable areas the Court decision left unclear. (MD)

Reviews "A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform" and its companion document "The Nation Responds: Recent Efforts to Improve Education." Suggests these documents overemphasize educational reform for the purpose of helping American businesses cope with foreign competition, and that they lack enough solid…

Based on the view that schools are responsible for providing a safe and supportive setting for all students and that with education the school climate will improve for sexual-minority parents and their children, this booklet provides information on how schools can become more welcoming to all students. Following introductory comments, the book is…

Twenty papers on motivating college students are grouped into four sections: (1) the impact of teaching on student motivation; (2) motivating diverse students; (3) the impact of university practices on motivation; and (4) the impact of assessment on motivation. After an introductory selection by Sally Brown, Steve Armstrong, and Gail Thompson, the…

This report presents the results of a study to determine the effects of student dress on behavior while at school. The study took place at 5 high schools, 4 junior high schools, and 10 elementary schools during the 2000-01 school year. The total enrollment of the schools was 8,194. The study involved two or three sets consisting of three days…

This paper provides an overview of dropout rates in New Mexico and reports the perceptions of Hispanic and Native American students on dropout-related issues. New Mexico has the third highest dropout rate in the nation. Over 7,500 students in New Mexico drop out each year, and many schools lose 30-50 percent of their students. Dropout rates are…

This digest discusses public schooling for undocumented immigrant children--children born outside the United States who live here without permission of the federal government. Most are children of agricultural workers. Whatever their circumstances, undocumented immigrant children are entitled to attend school. Anti-immigrant fears are stoked by…

This document is one of five publications in the Case Study Project, a component of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). The Project was designed to provide in-depth information about education at the 4th, 8th, and 12th grade levels in Germany, Japan, and the United States. Four research topics, selected by the U.S.…

Compared perceptions of Mexican-American high school students (N=105) from two Texas schools. Survey results showed students with similar sociological backgrounds responded differently to school. Students from the smaller school felt more involved in decision making. Most students did not feel adequately prepared for either college or career. (JAC)

Discusses aspects of educational integration, using teacher education as an example. Deals mainly with experience of adult students, equipped with work experience, in their encounters with schools of higher learning. Demonstrates complexities embedded in such encounters and in the curriculum problem; discusses with reference to frames of the…

Explores factors that may help parents understand and correct their adolescent's misbehavior in school. Discusses the communication process and the need to delineate clear expectations. Suggests the use of logical consequences for changing behavior. Reviews principles of behaviorism and discusses the parent-school relationship. (RC)

Defines behavioral and educational contracts as therapeutic instruments that can be educationally and socially beneficial while enhancing students' self-image. Contracts enable schools to monitor students who have discipline problems and involve them in taking educational responsibilities. (JAC)

Findings from a study of 633 students indicate that children from intact families are significantly better off in their personal and familial adjustment than are children whose fathers have died, who, in turn, are significantly better adjusted than are children from divorced families. (Author/MLF)

Fears common to the classroom setting are discussed, including school phobia, social withdrawal, and test anxiety. Incidence data, theoretical explanations, and treatment research are reviewed, and directions for future research are suggested. (Author/MH)