Economics can be a tough subject, so good teachers find creative ways to teach it. However, only a few economic literacy programs promote "an economic way of thinking" and teach students how to analyze relevant economic problems, says Burton Folsom. Having examined several economic education programs, the author has found that many…

Discusses literature on student disengagement in school and efforts to improve student engagement in learning. Includes list of standards for engaged learning. (PKP)

Reviews research on causes of aggressive behavior in children and adolescents. Highlights sex differences in aggressive behavior. Describes several aggression intervention and prevention programs. (PKP)

Summarizes research on the causes of school vandalism, especially connection with educational environment. Suggests ways (with examples) for schools to prevent vandalism. Describes three core principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. (PKP)

Describes findings of several studies examining the influence of peer pressure on children and adolescents and what schools can do to help alleviate that pressure, especially among adolescents. (PKP)

Studies show that 40 percent of youth who begin drinking before age 13 are classified as alcohol dependent at some point in their lives. Explores three theories about adolescents' alcohol use, describes a national intervention program, lists warning signs of early drinking, and offers a policy preventing early drinking. (MLF)

Discusses research on the relationship between time and learning. Includes suggestions for improving learning time. (PKP)

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry estimates that about .05% of children have the brain disorder called obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Recognizing OCD and anxiety disorders and helping children get needed help is tremendously challenging for schools. Sidebars list publications and organizations. (MLH)

Teacher use questioning techniques to evaluate students' learning, check class work and homework, review and summarize lessons, and motivate students to pay attention, learn, develop thinking skills, and investigate independently. Teachers often overestimate the value of such questions. Asking thought-provoking questions and waiting for answers…

School libraries are changing. Since 1988, Library Power, a $40 million program sponsored by the DeWitt Wallace Reader's Digest fund, has helped 700 elementary- and middle-school libraries in 19 communities improve collections, refurbish facilities, develop curriculum, and provide technical training for school personnel. (MLH)

New forms of student assessment can pay off in terms of improving teaching and learning. Changes in report cards do not mean getting rid of them altogether. Lists criteria for assessments designed for use by school districts that are replacing traditional report cards with new types of student evaluation. (MLF)

Kids may be learning a great deal in physical education class. The new emphasis on physical education (through sports, dance, and physical exercise) is partly due to Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences research underscoring the importance of bodily/kinesthetic perception. Research shows that promoting the mind-body connection increases…

Although medical professionals now recognize depression in children and adolescents, teachers and counselors rarely suspect depression as causing sullen, belligerent, withdrawn, or hyperactive behavior. About 6 million youth (more girls than boys) may suffer from depression. Many go undiagnosed. School therapists can help by developing…

Multi-age grouping, or exchanging traditional grade-level designations for teaching older and younger students together in one room, is as old as the one-room schoolhouse. Teachers comfortable with mixed-age classes are those who believe students learn by being active, engaged, and thoughtful, rather than by sitting passively or doing role…

At the same time their biological systems program them for later sleep and waking times, adolescents' schedules and lifestyles keep them from getting a healthy amount of sleep. Although a few schools have altered their schedules, most are confounded by costs and contractual complications. Minnesota schools are leaders. (MLH)