Regardless of a school's size or whether its setting is rural, urban, or suburban, the establishment of a student council organization can serve as a unique and valuable learning laboratory for civic education. Student council teaches students many intangible life skills and allows students to take on different roles and learn when to step back,…

Recent high school reform efforts strongly recommend that schools model democratic principles and give students, teachers, parents, and community members a significant role in school governance and the decision-making process. Specific recommendations include the creation of site-based decision-making councils, student leadership forums, and…

With a culturally diverse student population of nearly 500 students in grades 6, 7, and 8, Black River Falls (Wisconsin) Middle School is no stranger to the effects and influences of bullying. This year, however, a group of dedicated staff members, along with an unusually mature group of eighth-grade students, took great strides toward minimizing…

Too many student governments have agendas focused on social, volunteer, and fund-raising activities, not broader civic responsibilities. In student governments with responsibility for addressing school-community issues, participants may lack needed skills and habits of mind. The importance of advisers, due process, democratic selection, and…

For a middle school student council to be effective, it must address the unique behaviors of and situations that arise for adolescents. The development of decision-making skills, conflict resolution skills, and cooperative learning and working not only provides a framework for success as a council, but also enables students to maximize their own…

Presents a checklist of student-government advisers' responsibilities governing bylaws, organization, section or appointment guidelines, job descriptions, committees, meetings, attendance policies, decision making, problem solving, public relations, goals, communication methods, training, budgets, fund raising, advertising, and other matters. A…