Competing notions of education are reviewed. The progressivist notion is individualistic and aims at self-actualization, whereas the more conservative perspective emphasizes a mechanistic approach in which some students' full potential may not be realized. To accommodate student differences, curricula must be treated as useful guidelines to…

Offers data on Catholic schools' inability to win academic competitions. Examines reasons Catholic schools have not emphasized high-level training for gifted and talented students. Contends that ideas such as goal-orientation and self-actualization are appropriate for today's Catholic school. (DMM)

According to national statistics on death rates, criminal behavior, and other indicators, the well-being of White adolescents has declined markedly between 1960 and 1980, despite certain improvements in families, schools, and youth programs. American culture seems geared to a selfish individualism inconsistent with maintaining strong families and…

This essay argues that academic achievement for gifted students should be viewed in the context of the life of the spirt--life guided by a desire to realize oneself; find and live a vocation; and embody great virtues, such as generosity and love of life. (Author/DB)

This paper focuses on the importance of providing students with a broad humanistic education while, at the same time, maintaining accountability to urban taxpayers. The author describes the contemporary situation of tax revolts, millage defeats, and concern over student proficiency exams, and attributes these phenomena to the public's desire to…

Invitational education aims at creating a total school environment that intentionally summons teachers and students to realize their potential in all areas of worthwhile human endeavor and to make classrooms "the most inviting place in town." Within this model, invitational teaching addresses the role of the teacher in summoning…

An examination of the relationship between higher education and the kibbutz economy investigated the importance of individual self-development. As the kibbutz economy has become increasingly industrialized, the issue of higher education creates generational conflict and conflict in terms of a balance between social reproduction and individual…

Noting that healthy adult-youth relationships are more critical today than in the past because of the complexity of the times and the diminished availability of parents and family networks of support, this paper focuses on those dimensions of the adult-youth relationship that foster healthy development and academic success in all youth, including…

This 1984 study (1) estimated the more enduring benefits of a Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) prevocational program for those who completed the program in 1979; and (2) identified the features of the CETA program that completers recalled as having contributed to these benefits. The 18-week CETA prevocational program was offered by…

The contemporary preoccupation with academic achievement may overlook the importance of preserving students' self-worth. Rankings of students are too often linked to judgments of moral worth; instead, the promotion of equal dignity in four areas (material well-being, individuality, communal affiliation, and wholeness) must form the broad goals of…

This manual was created to give rural American Indian youths ways to build their self-concept, spiritual strength, and, thus, improve their ability to achieve success. This document draws heavily from anecdotal material--Indian lore and the author's personal experiences--to encourage good social conduct by Indian youth. It suggests that everyone…