This paper describes the development of the Survey of Pupil Opinion, an attitude-assessment instrument adapted to the reading and "palatability" levels of high school students in compensatory programs. An initial pool of 100 items assumed to reflect "attitude toward school" was reduced to a 30-item instrument. Results revealed that, for each of…

Argues that the Supreme Court's decision--upholding the constitutionality of disciplinary actions taken against a public high school student who delivered a speech laden with sexual metaphor (though not obscene language) in a nominating assembly--was improper in that it attempted to articulate a false dichotomy between "political…

A 1982 study of students at Ganado schools (Navajo reservation) showed students with higher achievement test scores were those who had consistently remained within the district and had best attendance averages; this enabled administrators to develop public relations programs stressing school quality and need for stability and regular attendance.…

Many teens experience a time when keeping up with school work is difficult. Some adolescents are able to get through this time with minimal assistance from their parents or teachers. However, when the difficulties last longer than a single grading period or are linked to a long-term pattern of poor school performance, parents and teachers may need…

This survey, in which students are asked to rank 49 items on a 5-point scale, was first introduced in spring 1991. A total of 784 students responded to the survey. Survey items addressed four primary areas: college services, instructional topics, campus environment/college activities, and student views of Howard Community College (Maryland),…

This bulletin reviews the results of a survey of college administrators and security officials by the Harvard School of Public Health concerning their schools' policies regarding alcohol problems on campus. A total of 529 respondents from 347 public and private four-year institutions were asked to complete a mailed questionnaire which examined…

Differentiating and ranking (D/R) mechanisms (norm-referenced testing, grouping, competition, busing differences) within the school isolate the culturally foreign and define them as inferior to the culturally dominant. The D/R factors constitute a vehicle by which the school commits symbolic violence. (Author/CM)

Describes the insecure, control-hungry personality often found in principals and the dependent personality often found in their faculties. Explains how these two personalities affect a school and its students, who can learn freedom and independence only from a free and independent teacher. (SB)

Seven priorities in bilingual education research are suggested: effectiveness of bilingual education programs; second language acquisition; acquisition and use of minority languages in the United States; cultural and other differences between students and school; readiness for instruction in the second language; student assessment and diagnosis;…

Analyzes the decision making process used by Japanese middle school students and their parents for choosing a high school. Reveals that these decisions are highly affected by placement counseling. This process defines the students' choices, inculcates values, and offers sets of rationales for students to account for their decisions. (MJP)

Examined attitudes of 2,272 students in Great Britain and Northern Ireland regarding school councils and daily life. Found that about half the students reported that they had a school council. Concluded that those who thought councils were effective had positive views about their school's social and academic activities, whereas those who thought…

Argues that the current world situation, marked by violence, inequity, and social upheaval, demands that teachers bring a more enlightened and committed approach to their classes. Advocates implementing education as a tool for empowerment and social change. Includes several diagrams of curricular models. (MJP)

Argues that schools need to provide greater diversity of services to children, thus strengthening academic achievement. Case studies are highlighted, indicating that schools need to create a foundation for personal growth and achievement that includes services not only for the children but for their families and communities. Recommendations for…

Examines the role of secondary school culture in the inequities experienced by Hispanic students. Presents views of approximately 48 Hispanic students at a midwestern inner-city high school on the problems facing them in high school, why the problems exist, who allows them to exist, and how to remedy them. Proposes several intervention strategies.…

In an effort to assess students' perceptions of victimization in their schools, as well as their schools' safety, over 1,900 students from elementary, middle, high, and alternative schools were administered a 154-item questionnaire. The responses on the items were used to establish the psychometric properties of 19 theoretically driven scales and…