Offers various observations on mentoring, claiming that it is a powerful way to provide adult contacts for youth who receive little guidance in schools, homes, and elsewhere. Claims that supportive one-on-one relationships provide youth with opportunities to explore career paths and to broaden their horizons. (RJM)

Case studies of six black males explored background, school and work experiences, and career issues. These themes emerged: fathers' financial support and role modeling influenced career development; other male role models affected aspirations; social, especially parental support for education and careers influenced decision making; and racism…

Interview of Cliff Joseph, one of the first African Americans to participate in the American Art Therapy Association and to become a registered art therapist and teacher. Details Joseph's impact on art therapy and cultural and social issues, as well as his relationships with other prominent art therapists. (MKA)

A survey of 4500 children examines the impact of black male youths' perceptions of role models on their personal development. The youths overwhelming chose sports figures rather than academicians or educators, as role models. Programs illustrating meaningful role models for these youth are discussed. (MMU)

Despite the Soviet emphasis on character education, communist "vospitanie" had little lasting influence once political enforcement was removed. Between 1988-92, the juvenile crime rate rose 50 percent. American educators should be cautious about promoting lists of virtues that serve a political agenda or are justified primarily on…

This article provides step-by-step guidelines for developing a mentoring program for students with disabilities. The benefits of mentoring, role of the mentor, mentor screening, and program development are discussed. Suggested mentor and student activities are outlined, including communication, reading, leisure, and academic activities. (Contains…

Interviews with five male Mexican American elementary school principals and five male Anglo counterparts showed many similarities, but also revealed differences between these ethnic groups in terms of tasks, role relationships, changes, and values statements. Mexican American principals felt particular pressure to be role models. (SLD)

Explores motivational factors that have influenced the educational achievement of 11 African American female college students and studies their attitudes toward individual and collective advancement of African Americans. These women generally perceived the collective advancement of African Americans as a possible outcome of their individual…

Factor analysis of the Influence of Others on Academic and Career Decisions Scale using data from four student groups (n=116, 190, 145, 183) yielded two factors: support/guidance and inspiration/modeling. Preliminary support for the scale as a valid and reliable measure of role model influence was obtained. (Contains 43 references.) (SK)

Explains how one first-year junior-high teacher, with her mentor's support, developed self-reliance and competence. In the context of their mutually respectful relationship, the mentor modeled the roles of caregiver, fellow learner, and buddy. Mentor flexibility and accessibility were key factors. (Contains 25 references.) (MLH)

Teacher-Librarians are rushing to the front lines to help battle the latest crisis on education. A gender gap exists in reading proficiency: boys do not read as well as girls. The challenge of enticing boys into reading has led teacher-librarians into a variety of inventive and proactive experiments. They have started "boys only" reading clubs,…

The process of growth often takes many years and is characterized by progress interrupted with setbacks. Beneath the most troubled exterior, one can find youth with great potential. This article presents the account of a gang youth and his mentor tracks the rocky pathway from problems to responsible maturity.

In this article, the author discusses an e-mail survey of principals from across the country regarding whether or not their school had a formal staff dress code. The results indicate that most did not have a formal dress code, but agreed that professional dress for teachers was not only necessary, but showed respect for the school and had a…

Peer-Led Team Learning (PLTL) is a method of student assisted learning in which a successful undergraduate student guides a team of 6-8 students engaged in solving problems developed by the course instructor. The peer leaders serve as role models for their students who want to become peer leaders and the leaders also recruit other students to…

Deaf college Students attitudes toward a variety of issues related to racial/ethnic diversity were surveyed by contacting all racial/ethnic minority deaf students and a random sample of Caucasian deaf students attending the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID), Rochester Institute of Technology; 38% completed the survey. Although…