Performed meta-analysis upon eight California school-based risk reduction programs designed to deter fourth through eighth grade students from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Found that information-focused interventions had more impact upon knowledge but less upon attitudes and behavior whereas alternative interventions had less…

Explores the problems of teaching art to preadolescents by taking into account the experiences and reflections of the teachers, students, and the researcher. Uses cross-site analysis and categorizes the problems into three groups: (1) contradictions in student behaviors; (2) instructional demands; and (3) institutional contingencies. Includes…

Findings from fifth grade African-American, white, and Asian American students revealed that antisocial behavior and attitudes were stronger predictors of substance initiation for Asian Americans than for other groups. For whites, self-reported and teacher-rated behavior were significantly related to substance initiation. For African Americans,…

Studies alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use by fourth graders in Washington, DC (n=4,675 in 1988-89 and n=4,678 in 1990-91). Lifetime prevalence of self-reported alcohol use, alcohol use without parental knowledge, and smoking more than a puff of a cigarette declined, although marijuana use and cigarette experimentation did not decline. (SLD)

Presents a historical overview of the development of junior high schools for young adolescents, focusing on the unique physical, emotional, and social needs of that population. The article examines the views of James Conant, the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development, and a junior high school teacher. (SM)

Compared parenting and children's (n=136) social, psychological, and academic adjustment across family structures. Biological/adoptive parents in intact families showed more positive parenting and coparenting practices than did parents in other family configuration; children in intact families showed higher levels of adjustment. Found differences…

Evaluates tutorial program and a combined tutorial and counseling program. Effects on achievement, self-esteem, and classroom behavior of middle school students (N=135) at risk of dropping out are examined. Discussion includes implications for counselors. "Outline for Training Tutors" and example plans for group-counseling sessions are appended.…

This study was undertaken to explore whether incest, extrafamilial sexual abuse, and physical abuse are linked with different psychological or behavioral consequences, and whether abuse affects males and females differently. In 1989, a survey instrument was administered to all 6th, 9th, and 12th graders in 84% of all the public schools in…

This report deals with essential life skills for young adolescents. At present, there is a need to formally and systematically teach middle and junior high school students life skills for surviving, living with others, and succeeding in a complex society. An introductory section is followed by a discussion of early adolescent development and life…

This study assessed the effectiveness of a 6-week school-based intervention program for children of divorce. Children's school behavior problems, attitudes and beliefs about divorce, self-concept, academic performance, and measures of group support were evaluated. Participants consisted of 127 fourth and fifth graders randomly assigned to…

This curriculum guide supplements the Alabama "Health Education Course of Study," which offers a comprehensive planned sequential curriculum for grades K-12. The largest section of the guide consists of classroom activities which are tied to specific student outcomes. A list of materials needed to carry out the activities is provided.…

The Youth Development Project is a school-based delinquency prevention project which incorporates intervention strategies of social skills training, student team learning, and community liaison between home and school. Subjects in the project are fourth, fifth, and sixth graders of one experimental (N=315) and one comparison (N=196) elementary…

At the middle school level, school climate, curriculum, instructional strategies, and the availability of positive adult role models all affect student performance. This study sought to determine student perceptions of discipline effectiveness, teaching strategies, and school climate. Early adolescents (N=220) between the ages of 11 and 16 in 20…

This position paper examines educational policies, school effectiveness, and responses to broader public policy concerns in the context of the special needs of early adolescence. The policy issues under consideration derive from a statewide comprehensive survey of educational trends in the middle grades and are addressed in a statewide Regents…

Describes a program that incorporates a variety of techniques to promote and foster dialog and open communication about puberty and sexuality. The program lasts about 2 hours and accommodates from 15 to 50 parent-child teams. It includes autobiographical presentation, film, and discussion. A list of resources is included. (SM)