This document provides guidelines for gang awareness and prevention in the California school system. It is based on the belief that inservice training programs help school staff recognize early signs of gang activity, a necessary step to intervention. Following the introduction, chapter 1 offers descriptive information on gangs and their members,…

Designed to expose high school students to an alternative method of conflict resolution, this lesson revolves around the Indian movement for independence from Great Britain and the principles of non-violence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi which helped make that movement successful. The activities presented are designed to fit into a general world…

This paper seeks to clarify the current debate about studying peace in schools and classroom by exploring: (1) the breadth of concern encompassed by peace education; (2) the educational legitimation for studying peace and conflict in the classroom, and (3) curriculum implications of peace education. The problems of peace encompass violence and…

Parents and teachers can help children learn qualities (such as empathy, caring, kindness, and generosity) that contribute to a more peaceful environment. Children can be helped to learn the values and techniques of resolving conflicts without injuring others. We should be concerned about teaching peacemaking in order to prevent crime, drug…

Designed to assist teachers of students in grades 10-12 who wish to use the newspaper as a supplemental tool in law-related education, this guide provides model lessons demonstrating ways in which the daily newspaper can enhance textbook material. Although the guide is based on ongoing law-related education programs in St. Louis Public Schools, it…

This simulation helps students in grades four to eight see their planet as one environment with limited resources shared by all. Students learn that the earth is a large system comprised of small systems, that systems are interdependent and often have irreplaceable parts, and that resources are not equally divided among countries. (RM)

Parents are a vital source of support for our schools. School personnel interact with parents on a daily basis and fortunately, most of these interactions are pleasant and helpful, keeping students' needs in mind. Instances of parental aggression, however, do occur. Volatile or confrontational parents present many unique challenges for educators…

This guide provides parents, educators, and other adults with tools and strategies to engage in constructive discussions and activities about the causes and effects of prejudice and bias-motivated behavior and to intervene when needed with children who engage in such behavior. Though it targets elementary school, much of the material is relevant…

This lesson plan uses students' interest in sports to teach good citizenship. With its focus on rules, responsibility, conflict resolution, and teamwork, the unit emphasizes the development of critical thinking, decision-making, and citizenship skills in young people. This lesson plan is part of a series of fully prepared, interactive classroom…

This teachers' guide accompanies a series of reports from National Public Radio's "Class of 2000: The Prejudice Puzzle," which was broadcast on September 9-15, 1990. The series explores the impact of prejudice on the lives of young people through several interviews from a diverse student population. The guide includes synopses of the…

Designed for high school students, this curriculum program addresses the challenges of cultural and ethnic diversity that many students face, including intolerance, violence, and a lack of hope. The curriculum provides students with an understanding of the United Nations (UN) and its various organizations. The unit teaches them the valuable skills…

A part of the Fuss Busters peer mediation program, this teacher's guide is designed to increase students' conflict resolution skills. Fuss Busters is intended to help elementary students resolve conflicts in a creative and cooperative manner through reflective listening, defusing anger, brainstorming, and mediation. The guide is designed to help…

Culture forms the basis for cross-cultural awareness and understanding. The initial response to a new culture is to find it fascinating, exotic, and thrilling. Although, to function in a new cultural environment, and become aware of deep cultural patterns people need time, research, and investigation. Dealing with a new culture, people need a…

This document addresses violence as one of the key challenges facing the democratic and pluralistic republic under the framework of the Constitution and its Bill of Rights. Primary focus is on criminal violence and the factors and behaviors that contribute to violent crime. The text is organized into three chapters: (1) "The Problem of…

This article reviews issues related to communication modality and placement of children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, discusses reasons that school districts end up in due process hearings, and cites pertinent court cases. It offers suggestions to help educators provide effective testimony and concludes by highlighting possible positive…