This competency-based secondary learning guide on improving responses to crises is part of a series that are adaptations of guides developed for adult consumer and homemaking education programs. The guides provide students with experiences that help them learn to do the following: make decisions; use creative approaches to solve problems; establish personal goals; communicate effectively; and apply management skills to situations faced as an individual, family member, student, and worker. Each learning guide includes the following sections: a general introduction and guidelines for using the material; a checklist for users for advance planning; introduction to the guide; specified competencies, with student outcomes/evaluations, definitions, key ideas, teacher strategies/methods, suggested student activities, sample assessments, and supplementary resources. The following competencies are addressed: identify life situations that cause stress for individuals or families; describe ways children and adults may react to stress; determine strategies for coping with stress; and employ a conflict management strategy in a life situation. Twenty-nine supplements contain information and activity sheets on the following: life span development, stress levels, stress management, personal strengths, support systems, coping strategies, values, anger, constructive communication, good listening, and conflict resolution. Concluding the guide is a 69-item bibliography. (MN)