Presents a Russian mother's thoughts on her child's entry into school. Argues that education must promote the development of a free person. Discusses the institutional barriers to freedom and individuality for student and teacher alike. Recommends a radical restructuring of adults' relations with children. Expresses the belief that perestroika…

Explains the importance of the "excellence with decency" concept for educators and the children and families they serve through a first-person account of one teacher's experience with National Coalition schools. This experience helped renew the teacher's faith in educational leaders' ability to help all children learn well and the public…

The promotion of equal learning opportunities is crucially important for the improvement of the quality of life of millions of people. The virtues of education in preparing learners for life, for meaningful interaction with other human beings, for constructive civic and political involvement, and for successful economic participation stand beyond…

Discusses the power of books and literacy, the power of giving students their own books to take home, and young adult novels in which the importance of books is a major theme. Offers brief descriptions of 27 books (mostly novels) whose stories focus on the power of books and literacy. (SR)

Humanist principles stress the importance of the individual, of scientific methodology, and of human needs. The basic principles of humanist beliefs concerning the world and the position of human beings in natural and social worlds are reviewed. (IS)

Noting that throughout history people have despaired of their soclety and their age, the author asserts that our current despondency about life and humankind is not due to our scientific culture, but to the increasing complexity and depersonalization of our social, political, and economic institutions. (SJL)

Research revealed that teachers with a positive view of human nature seemed to be more open toward and accepting of acts considered to be typical behavioral problems of elementary school children. This group also seemed more concerned with the child's personal adjustment than with proper behavior and deportment. (Author)

Describes the Igbo tradition of "Mbari," a communal creative enterprise that celebrates the world and the life lived in it through art. Contrasts the cooperative, social dimension of pre-colonial African culture with the exclusion and denial of European colonialism, and sees new African literature again celebrating human presence and…

Reports results of a study of introductory psychology students' opinions of whether 10 classroom demonstrations would offend their sense of dignity or propriety. Discusses demonstrations of stages of death and dying, suggestibility, obedience to authority, and impressionability. Concludes that greater concern about ethical issues in classroom…

Literature review examines problems faced by homeless adults and children and discusses how recreation programs can serve them. The recreation and leisure profession can offer to the healthy child development through play and recreation, physical fitness, stress management, socialization, opportunities to learn goal-setting, self-esteem building,…

Case material from an anthropological field study of 57 blind adults in Tel-Aviv is used to illustrate the contradictions that blind Israelis face in the current transitional period from traditional segregation and dependent roles to an indeterminate type of integration and independence. (Author/JW)

Discusses the importance of positive teacher self-concept and self-esteem, including conditions under which they flourish. Briefly highlights 16 strategies that can be used by teachers for healthy development and the promotion of positive self-esteem. (TRS)

An historical perspective on the development of interest in children's psychological rights is presented. Changing concepts of childhood, children's rights movements, and declarations of children's rights, as proposed by the United Nations, the 1970 White House Conference on Children, and the International School Psychology Committee, are…

Psychological aspects of aging, based on gerontological hypotheses and research, are presented under three headings: intellectual abilities; emotional capacities; and motor capabilities. Consequences are discussed. Well-being throughout life depends on fulfillment of fundamental human needs; existential needs for nourishment, stimulation, rest,…

Discusses confusion about the meaning of human rights in the United States. Suggests that welfare rights usurp the more traditional freedom rights of the founding fathers. Contrasts American interpretations with those of the Soviet Union. Journal availability: see SO 507 190. (KC)