Describes the evolution of adolescence as a developmental stage and several psychological approaches to adolescent development. The discussion covers the need for adolescent literature to address physical, social, and emotional issues, and the need for librarians and teachers to be aware of the available literature. (29 references) (CLB)

Discusses the ways in which nonhostile, self-accepting, realistic humor may be an important coping strategy for children. Offers practical suggestions for parents, teachers, and other caretakers to encourage the development of humor in children. (FMW)

Discusses the developmental challenges faced by children in wartime and similar circumstances. Reviews studies made in several scenes of conflict from World War II to the present. Adults' political ideologies can be sustaining and supportive but may prolong communal violence and curtail moral development. (DM)

Respect for individuality did not penetrate deeply into John Dewey's thought, and, consequently, mass solidarity, based on group cooperation and sharing of interests, is emphasized at the expense of individuality. Examples of Dewey's theories about art and science are used to illustrate the point. (PP)

Schools have a responsibility to match curricula to each child's needs and talent. While cognitive functioning is usually assessed to determine this match, motivation and adjustment are equally important determinants of intellectual competence and should also be evaluated. (Author/GC)

Analyzes the comic strip "Peanuts" characters Sally Brown and Peppermint Patty as they illustrate children's difficulties in school and their emotional responses to school. Explores how Sally illustrates the conflict between the creative impulses of childhood with school demands, while Patty illustrates the extent to which many children…

This guide to adjustment to other cultures is intended for individuals going abroad to live, work, or study or who have contact with expatriates in their own countries. It is written from the perspective that adaptation to the local (foreign) culture is desirable and enhances the experience abroad. The book first looks briefly at some of the…

Examines the educational reconstruction attempted in Germany's Lutheran states in the sixteenth century. Describes the close collaboration of churchpersons and politicians in the Lutheran Reformation and discusses how schools were used as instruments of acculturation, intended to encourage young people to conform to approved patterns of…

Three of William Rhodes' 1975 predictions about the mental health system are discussed. It is advocated that caretakers invest more extensive and intensive interpersonal time. In addition, the dangers of classifying children are considered. (SEW)

The author of EC 602 983 comments on his areas of research interest, speculates about the reasons why the social adjustment of kindergartners appears so different from that of older elementary school children, and examines the benefits of providing kindergarten experiences that maximize interactions among bright pupils. (JDD)

Discusses areas of disagreement with Park and Green's assertion that legal and scientific assessments of the success of transracial adoptions follow a Eurocentric bias. Considers issues of limitations in adoption research, the need for research to support cases against transracial adoption, Africentrism, and models for assessing transracially…

Peer relationships play an important role in socialization during childhood and young adolescence. Negative relationships may pose multiple difficulties for children related to their development that can have lifelong influences. Research indicates that the quality of peer relationships is associated with a variety of outcomes, such as social…

Schools cannot approach the problem of street gangs with the same strategies as law enforcement agencies, but rather must create a nurturing environment for all students, where success in school and life becomes the only attractive option for gang members. Street gangs represent the racial, cultural, and economic diversity of American society.…

Students who are mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, or socially maladjusted often do not receive needed educational or community services. This article discusses incidence rates for these troubled students, describes the special needs of troubled adolescents, presents a proposal for the creation of "Boards for Children in Trouble," and…

To illustrate his claim that schools generally do a remarkably good job of schooling while the society makes inadequate use of other means to educate young people, the author presents a case history of a young American (identified pseudonymously as "Brad") whose schooling was adequate but whose education was not. Brad, jobless and…