The purpose of this study was to develop an observation system which would describe some of the important phenomena in groups that have the task of making a decision about a controversial issue involving value conflicts. The basic design to develop the observation system involved the analysis of transcriptions of group discussions of controversial…

Analyzes the five factors in combination that appear to account for the mind-set in which the decision to launch the Challenger was made: (1) perceived pressure, (2) rigid conformity to perceived role requirements, (3) questionable reasoning, (4) ambiguous use of language, and (5) failure to ask important relevant questions. (NKA)

Outlines a series of teaching activities to be used in conjunction with Robert E. Lee's letter of resignation. These include textual analysis, class discussions, writing assignments, and student research. Includes a photocopy of the letter as well as a brief discussion of Lee's role in the Civil War. (MJP)

Research confirms the fact that violence is a growing problem in American society. The frequency of reports of youth involved in violent acts reflects an inability to handle conflicts in safe, constructive ways among this age group. Although the business of schools is to educate, many students are more concerned with their own safety than…

This digest addresses the topic of increasing violence among and against youth in society. The opening section "What Personal Qualities Are Associated with Reduction of Violence," identifies: (1) problem-solving and reasoning skills; (2) social capacities; and (3) a productive sense of purpose, independence, and power. The section…

Problem definition appears to influence problem solving outcomes with respect to their quality. In order to determine whether or not families, confronted as a group by a series of possibly problematic situations, would engage in a problem definition phase, and whether or not the phase or its absence would be related to family members' satisfaction…

A fictional account of 1 school year in the life of a university president is presented to illustrate the conflicts within the university. A meeting with state officials regarding the university's 1979-1980 budget request is described, including the president's premeeting anticipation and his thoughts about the dynamics of interactions. Diverse…

This manual is designed for use in a workshop on leadership training. A discussion is given on the interaction between individuals that produces change in both personal behavior and gradual changes in organizational structures. Theories are presented on methods of bringing about desired change. The major theory under consideration is that of using…

The ATS-6 Educational Satellite Communications Demonstration-Alaska (ESCD), was viewed as a way to give isolated population groups greater voice in their educational future, by bypassing bureaucratic levels and allowing the local people to have a direct say in the school curriculum and programs that were shown via satellite. This study focused on…

The idea of a democratic society based on human rights and social justice is the social issue examined in this book which is one of a series on challenges and choices in American values. The format followed in the series includes the following for secondary students: case studies illustrating the issue by focusing on human institutions, factual…

This study, a political history, analyzes three educational crises in New York City during the last 25 years. Primary attention is given to the mayoralty in an attempt to ascertain the effectiveness of his power in education. This research analyzes his role by eliciting the actual operations of decision making (participants involved, exertion of…

This text has been written primarily as a handbook for organizational specialists in school districts, for those learning to become organizational specialists, and for teachers of organizational specialists. For the most part, each chapter and each major section has been organized to be understood and used independently from the rest of the book.…

Begins constructing a conceptual framework for moral education programs by providing an account of the objectivity of moral judgment. Argues that moral education must help students choose values to inform moral judgments; recognize and contend with moral conflict; and develop critical reflection skills for examining the assumptions that inform…

Studied development of moral reasoning in friendship conflicts by interviewing 120 children, ages 7, 9, and 12, using a moral dilemma narrative. Selected four issues to represent the levels of sociomoral reasoning. Showed sociomoral reasoning development is sequential and cumulative. Identified how commitment and responsibility progress in…

This book provides a sequential program to explore and develop communication skills about their own feelings and behaviors. Designed for use in grades 3-8, activities can be adapted to fit specific needs and audiences. The book is divided into two parts. Part 1, "Introduction," includes: (1) "Important Feelings Concepts"; (2) "Where do Feelings…