A recent survey of South Dakota elementary principals confirms the value of student councils to children, their schools, and their communities. The principals surveyed noted that councils provide students with opportunities to exercise leadership in resolving problems, sharing ideas, and managing projects. One common community-service project is…

The principal and vice-principal of a California elementary school describe the eight critical elements that helped them develop a model expanded-day program at their school: identifying needs; sharing a vision; fostering staff ownership; investing in staff development; creating partnerships; linking learning to state standards; measuring and…