Provides a strong rationale for elementary school counselor involvement in public school prekindergarten education programs. Describes benefits of prekindergarten education, reviews two major position papers on the topic, and presents implications for elementary school counselor practice. Concludes that prekindergarten children and their families…

The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics has called for reform of college sports. Assistance from alumni in shaping that reform is appropriate and important. Associations can help by opening up discussion, taking a stand, involving alumni, and giving increased attention to sports in publications. (MSE)

Research shows that self-esteem is a rather fixed and stable psychological state formed by age four or five, not too amenable to change. Schools can positively affect self-esteem by fostering an environment in which individuals are always respected and valued. Boards should help districts implement the ideas and suggestions found in accompanying…

Explains how brain separates foreground from background in response to its continual need to simplify the surrounding environment; discusses educational/counseling implications of growing understanding of relevant brain mechanisms and processes; and suggests nontechnical explanations and discussion ideas that counselors can use when working with…

The University of Washington's Health of the Public program has convened a consortium including the region's academic medical center, the state's two largest managed care plans, and representatives of major private and public health care purchasers to collaboratively collect cross-system data on practice to improve communitywide outcomes of care.…

BellSouth Foundation has supported various alternative teacher certification programs. Teacher development also requires that the school be at the center of talent identification, teacher preparation, recruitment, induction, and continuing education. (SK)

Outlines the relationship between Dutch universities and teacher education in a historical context. The article examines Dutch primary and secondary education and related higher education, noting the role of universities and vocational institutions. Comments on movements of teacher education toward and away from the universities are included. (SM)

Presents a history of comprehensive school health education (CSHE). Though history records an interest in health from the beginning of time, the first movement toward CSHE occurred in the 1960s. Before the 1970s, no rigorous studies examined the effectiveness of CSHE curricula. The 1990s are witnessing strong support for CSHE. (SM)

Discusses resources of hope in educating for the 21st century, arguing the importance of active listening to children's voices and resistance to fatalistic fallacies regarding negative trends. The discussion examines principles from critical futurism and contemporary movements of educational innovation (including peace, multicultural, nonsexist,…

Gangs socialize Chicano youths, who then exhibit behaviors that interfere with learning. Educators are not well informed about gang culture to intervene. Three Los Angeles programs provide examples of ways schools can stop exacerbating the problem and successfully reach youth in gangs. (SK)

Examines research on suicide among gifted adolescents. The review indicates a lack of evidence that suicide rates of gifted students are different from typical adolescents, but does indicate suicide occurs among the gifted population. The role schools can play in suicide intervention and prevention is discussed. (Author/CR)

Discusses the roles of government, schools, parents, and private industry related to child safety on the Internet. An overview is provided of the December, 1997, Washington summit of government, industry and advocacy group leaders. A November, 1997, online forum of educators is summarized. (MES)

The eight chapters of this theme issue report on analyses of civics education in 17 secondary schools in 6 countries. The analyses focused on national policies on civic education, the impact of these policies on the school curriculum, and the implementation of these policies in school practices. Overall, studies suggest that schools are…

Discusses guidelines from the General Directory for Catechesis for teaching religion to children pre-kindergarten through eighth grade: (1) faith education; (2) liturgical education; (3) moral formation; (4) prayer instruction; (5) community life education; and (6) missionary initiation. Describes in-service sessions with principals and curriculum…

Reports that more than 10 million children in the United States are without health care, most of whom can obtain help through such organizations as Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program. Discusses connecting health care with school lunch programs, and states that the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) is working on…