Character education specialists seem to know it when they see it, but what it means to call something a character education program remains unclear. One possible source for this uncertainty is the manner in which character education has been defined. By identifying certain features as necessary, existing definitions fail to encompass the universe…

This article describes three distinct yet interrelated elements of self-authorship: trusting the internal voice, building an internal foundation, and securing internal commitments. These elements, which emerged from longitudinal interviews with adults in their 30s, offer insights into the complexity and cyclical nature of self-authorship as well…

It is essential for a school public relations professional to be familiar with disability competency as it relates to counseling programs within the schools and community. This article is an introduction to disability competency in such settings. The initial discussion highlights a historical perspective of the treatment of persons with…

Self development is conceptualized as surrounded by a series of ego rings that spread out from its center. Erikson's first five psychosocial stages are used as the developmental framework within which self-concept, self-esteem, and ego boundaries are viewed as component parts of the self's growth. Counseling implications are used. (Author/BL)

Career development has many components. They include relating education to life, developing transferable skills, and developing self-understanding and understanding of others. Career development should be viewed as a process that continues for the individual long after graduation. Career development skills can be used throughout life to better…

Explains that adolescence is the process of "becoming" and suggests that anyone who spends time around teens participates in the crises of becoming. (Author/MP)

Presents a list of questions to help teachers examine their past efforts and make resolutions for the new year. (SJL)

A five-step model is presented for conducting groups that enhance students' knowledge, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. Differences between educational growth group model and other forms of group work are outlined. Goals and potential benefits for counselors are listed, along with examples of counselors' applications of the model. (Author)

This courseware evaluation rates the Who Am I? program developed by Instructional Enterprises. (This program--not contained in this document--is an interactive guidance course including four inventories students use to learn more about themselves.) Part A describes the program in terms of subject area (personal development) and hardware…

"Let's Celebrate Uniqueness" is a one-semester whole class program designed for fourth to seventh grade gifted and non-gifted students. Specific activities are suggested for the four program steps: (1) understanding the concept of uniqueness, (2) recognition of uniqueness of self, (3) recognition of uniqueness of others, (4) and valuing uniqueness…

The personal student journal is a little-used technique that holds special promise for instructors working in diverse educational settings. Journals can be used as an instructional tool for students, as a means for nurturing self-directed learning, and as a bridge to personal growth. (PP)

Describes and analyzes an elective course which enables students to relate the viewpoints presented in literature to their own personal philosophies. (DD)

Self-Knowledge Development Theory (SKDT) by Weinstein and A. Alschuler (1985) is a structural developmental theory positing four stages in the development of self-knowledge. The Experience Recall Test-2 (ERT2) is described, which is the most recent instrument developed for assessing the SKDT. Self-knowledge is defined as the ability to describe…

Outlines a plan for multiple talent teaching that allows educators to use the initiative of individuals, make learning relevant, foster skill development, and use and enhance their own abilities. (SK)