Describes the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual characteristics of young adolescents and discusses the ways that middle education can meet their unique needs. Urges educators to consider the impact of peer pressure, manage classes and individuals fairly and consistently, and ensure that students do not feel left out. Discusses…

Describes how early childhood teachers can provide a developmentally appropriate environment that fosters therapeutic play for children of substance-abusing parents. Describes the impact of substance abuse on the parent-child relationship, and discusses the importance of providing daily routines, consistency, firm boundaries, open expression of…

Presents proactive strategies to help educators deal with challenging behaviors of children with visual impairments and neurodegenerative diseases. Strategies are provided for general noncompliance, difficulty with changed or novel routines, difficulty maintaining physical movement, significant variations in affect, and intense tantrums and other…

Examines the notion that schools should help foster students' self-esteem and discusses whether this notion helps students meet high academic and disciplinary standards or actually hinders their efforts. It is argued that attention to self-esteem will only excessively expand egos at the expense of the self-critical struggle that is necessary for…

Relates a teacher's 1989 experiences at the Philippine Refugee Processing Center, using ropes courses as part of the Bon Tot volunteer program to prepare young Amerasian refugees for life in the United States. Describes the funding of basic needs, the camp site, personnel, and activities. Explains processing of activities and debriefings in terms…

Describes how one 8th-grade English language arts teacher works to keep her students as the primary focus in her curriculum. Discusses how she uses a class council to connect with literature, discuss upsetting issues or incidents, and solve problems. Outlines activities that further the social and emotional learning component of her curriculum.…

According to Shores and Jack (1996), children and youth are identified as having behavioral disorders based on their excesses and their deficits of social behavior. They respond to available social stimuli in unpredictable ways. The teaching of social skills should be an integral part of any program for E/BD students. E/BD teachers work on…

In discussing ways in which schools can be more responsive to youth needs, the article outlines psychological principles used in successful vocational programs. The principles address student needs for meaningful learning materials, emotional involvement, novelty, and success. Factors of control along with freedom within structure are included in…

Study of three urban high schools revealed the following: (1) themes dominating principals' attitudes toward teacher involvement in decision making; (2) the influence of teachers on decision making; and (3) the paradox in principals' relations with faculty. Implications for faculty relations and school improvement are discussed. (BJV)

Records of 16 patients (ages 6-19) who had undergone surgery for severe spinal deformity were retrospectively analyzed to document ten aspects of rehabilitation intervention, including mobility skills, patient and family training and education, daily living activities, ongoing medical problems, planning for school reentry, and management of…

Teachers in a small high school nominated students whose classroom behavior facilitates or inhibits (disrupts) the learning process. These two groups were compared on locus of control, Maslow motive hierarchies, attitudes toward crime prevention, and achievement. Results are discussed and suggestions for helping disruptive students are made. (SJL)

Describes the distinguishing features of a cult and the recruitment practices of cults on college campuses. Considers the psychological, social, and developmental reasons why students are attracted to cults, and describes the conversion process. Reports on campus policy, implications of litigation, and recommends strategies for dealing with cults.…

Applying the principles of affective education will help students learn anything better, including the basics. Student learning depends on four highly affective factors: self-concept, feelings of challenge or threat, values, and feelings of belonging or being cared for. (Author/JM)

Describes the role of the adult children of the elderly who are "sandwiched" between their aging parents and their own maturing children, thus subjected to a great deal of stress. Suggests this group, as a major support for the elderly, has a special need for social services. (Author/JAC)

Discusses Louis Ormont's theory of group experience and the effectiveness of the Group Meeting and Triad Resolutions processes--part of his Group Process--in modifying the behavior of kindergartners. Suggests that children learn to take charge of their own behavior and are strengthened by feelings of group membership and personal empowerment.…