The role of school principals is an evolving one, calling them to become agents of change, focusing on educational leadership as they take the schools forward. All this is happening in a context that is becoming more challenging and stressful as school leaders try to juggle the state-mandated accountability devices. In relation to the Italian…

The theme for the 62nd annual conference of the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers was Educating for a Just Society. Connie Briggs, previous Program Chair, reminded us that, "Education has always been the foundation of a democratic nation. It is important that our students understand the principles upon which our nation was…

Acknowledging the European political commitment to Roma education and the research in this field, my article deals with the experience of education of a"Sinti" "minority" (The terms "minority" and "majority" will be used in this article, according to the meaning that is given to them within Anthropology and…

Many researchers have documented the difficulties for learners of different ages and preparations in understanding basic astronomical concepts. Traditional instructional strategies and communication media do not seem to be effective in producing meaningful understanding, or even induce misconceptions and misinterpretations. In line with recent…

This study explores the relations between neighborhood social capital (neighbor support and social climate), safety concerns (fear of crime and concern for one's child), parenting (solicitation and support), and adolescent antisocial behavior in a sample of 952 parents (742 mothers) and 588 boys and 559 girls from five middle schools (sixth…

This study examined the role of supportive relationships (i.e., family, teacher, and peer) and agency (i.e., self-efficacy, motivation, and goal-setting orientation) on three outcomes: academic grades, distress, and career decidedness. Data from 588 middle school youth from Northern (N=322) and Southern (N=266) Italy were analyzed using path…

This paper presents research which compares the teaching beliefs of primary and secondary school trainee teachers. Participants were 177 trainee teachers, 92 enrolled in a primary school teacher degree course, and 85 enrolled in a postgraduate teacher training course specifically for music teaching at secondary school level (middle and high…

Presents a lesson plan on Pompeii (Italy) for middle school students that utilizes a teaching technique called interactive presentation. Describes the technique's five phases: (1) discrepant event inquiry; (2) discussion/presentation; (3) cooperative learning activity; (4) writing for understanding activity; and (5) whole-class discussion and…

Investigated the relationship between peer group identification and similarity between individuals involved in problem behavior, and whether group identification moderated group influence on development of delinquent behavior among Italian sixth- and seventh-graders. Found that group behavior interacted with reciprocity of group nominations in…

Describes the educational reform of the Italian middle school system from a fragmented system of separate vocational and academic schools to a unified comprehensive middle school system. Effects on the high school system are also mentioned. (AN)

Shows and discusses the results of a test on the "mental representations" of Italy in pupils (11-14 years) living in different Italian towns. The results reveal some common psycho-special features that are independent of the dwelling localities. (Author)

Evaluates governmental guidelines for school reform in the middle schools of Italy. Topics discussed include characteristics and goals of the middle school, legislative measures related to middle schools, socialization, curriculum guidelines, methodological suggestions for specific disciplines, and the relationship of specific content proposals to…

Background: Attitudes towards bullying at school are influential in understanding and preventing bullying behaviour but they should be measured with reference to the particular conditions under which bullying takes place. Aims: To establish how far positive and negative judgments of bullying and victims and blaming of the victim vary according to…

Investigates 8th grade mathematics teaching in Italy as videotaped and analyzed following the same procedures in the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Compares results with German, Japanese, and U.S. lessons videotaped in TIMSS. Indicates that Italian lessons are relatively homogenous among themselves yet distinct from…

Discusses and evaluates a new middle school curricula approved by the Italian Ministry of Education in 1979 and implemented in middle schools throughout Italy since that time. Topics discussed include the relationship between university-based research and educational practice in the middle schools, curriculum guidelines and questions of emphasis,…