Mobility, rather than stability, has become the norm for students in schools across the United States. The student mobility rate is now higher in the United States than in any other industrialized country. This Information Capsule discusses the reasons for student mobility and the characteristics of highly mobile students and families. Research…

This study examined the effectiveness and efficiency with which the Chippewa Falls Area United School District (Wisconsin) addressed the needs of its diverse student population, focusing on the At-Risk Kindergarten Program implemented by the school district in 1992. The program serves a selected segment of the kindergarten population in an…

This article explores some of the challenges that young children face when they begin formalised literacy learning in the classroom, in particular learning to write. The challenges are discussed in terms of the transitions children are faced with when moving from family and community literacy practices to more explicit and formal school learning…

Stress is experienced by college students at different educational levels, but colleges can help reduce its destructive forms. There are explanations of why students perform badly under stress, such as "hypervigilance" (i.e., overstudying for an exam) and "premature closure" (i.e., rushing through an exam). Situations that are…

This paper describes the development and operation of a high school orientation program using peer facilitators. The activities of the administrative team (two school social workers, a guidance counselor, and an assistant principal) are described, as is training of upper classmen to be peer facilitators for freshmen orientation. A brief…

An optional summer explorientation program for new students at York College, Pennsylvania, is described, and a literature review and York College survey results are presented. The program is designed to orient students to campus life and provide exposure to campus facilities, faculty, administration, and other students. The literature suggests…

A program was developed in the Norwalk, Connecticut schools to smooth student transition between elementary, intermediate, and high schools. It includes spring orientation activities and staggered opening of school in September to give each new class full staff attention on the first day of school. (SJL)

Brief daily notebook entries by the teachers and therapists who worked with a developmentally disabled child provided valuable information for parents. The notebook served as a summary of daily activities and noteworthy events, a diary of developmental changes, and a record of medical information. (JW)

Books can be a starting point for parents who want to help their children deal with unnerving experiences during the first few days of school. Books and stories for children about starting to school, making friends, handling bullies, and other subjects are recommended. (PP)

Field educators are increasingly looking to programs of prefield preparation to help students bridge the gap between academic campus-based learning and field experience programs. Examples of such preparation include, in addition to job skills, cross cultural training, learning and data gathering skills, role and group skills, and decision making.

Data collected during the 1975-77 school years reflect a decrease in antisocial behavior and drug abuse and an increase in more classical neurotic and adjustment symptoms among college students. This study produced evidence that suggests that more homogeneity than disparity exists among the psychiatric problems arising in diverse student bodies.…

Children's stories, pajamas, robes, and stuffed animals provide the setting for "story hours," a very successful program in a residence hall setting, that has become a significant support group for students. "Story hours" also provides an ideal setting for exposing students to a variety of thought-providing ideas. (Author)

This informal case study presents an example of a gifted child whose behavior and school adjustment problems prevented his teachers and parents from a full understanding of his intellectual capabilities. It illustrates the role of counseling in finding solutions to such problems. (Author)

Required summer reading for incoming college freshmen commonly has themes of self-discovery, travel, and learning about other cultures that help students prepare for college life and challenge their belief systems. Some colleges follow up the readings with special discussion programs. (MSE)

Researchers use images of outsiders and insiders to distinguish basic writers from students more proficient with the demands of academic discourse and academic culture. For example, David Bartholomae examines how outsiders rely on unelaborated commonplaces to define their interpretations while insiders elaborate and work against their…