A safe environment is a prerequisite for productive learning. Using a unique panel data set of survey responses from New York City middle school students, the article provides insight into the relationship between feelings of safety in the classroom and academic achievement. The survey data include the reported feelings of safety for more than…

This paper summarizes a study that involved ethnographic research and a survey on how home climate, school climate, and interaction between the two might affect learning and behavior of students of different racial/ethnic groups, sex, and socioeconomic background. Major findings include: differences in student absences, academic achievement, and…

Gay youth enter high school with the knowledge that they are different and with the belief that heterosexuality is normal and that homosexuality is not normal. Also, gay youth enter high school with the belief that honesty and integrity are important personal values. Additionally, the gay youth enter high school without family knowledge of their…

Students from 15 colleges compare their expectations of college with their experiences. (MSE)

This report summarizes results of ethnographic research and a survey on how home climate, school climate, and interaction between the two might affect learning and school behavior among students of different racial/ethnic groups, sex, and socioeconomic background; and provides guidelines for measuring and improving equity in multicultural schools.…

Outlines two elements of the process by which computers are incorporated into the social context of the classroom: (1) teachers' interpretations of the meaning of software, and (2) teachers' and students' views regarding the new learning interactions arising from work with computers. Discusses educational advantages of computer use in the…

A fraternity publication at the University of Southern California features, gossip, advice, fashion tips, and its own brand of humor. (MSE)

Discusses services offered by Wellness Program at University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Provides some background on origin of sober housing program for students and investigates satisfaction level of student participants. Information presented can be used by administrators in establishing similar programs on other campuses and can serve as…

A 10th-grade teacher used an essay by an Irish Catholic homosexual to develop students' understanding about identity and oppression. In the context of ethnic literature, they identified common ground that oppressed groups divided by difference share. (SK)

Because of widespread reporting of campus crime, the public is more aware of the problem and applicants are aware that an institution's crime record is a consideration in college choice. Concern for student safety, college liability, and parent and student attitudes are generating increased security measures. (MSE)

In separate articles under the same title, both authors stress the importance of students' feelings of self-esteem and well-being in the classroom. The frequency of interaction with teachers, which directly influences self-esteem, diminishes as children move toward ninth grade while attitude toward school and school subjects becomes increasingly…

Reviews research on students' attitudes toward social studies instruction at the elementary and secondary levels. In general, studies reveal a more negative attitude toward social studies than other subjects. Favorable attitudes are fostered by teachers who, among other things, go beyond being competent instructors to make social studies…

This introductory essay describes an analytical framework that locates students, staff, and institutions within both local and extra-local patterns of stratification and clarifies our theoretical understanding of ethnographic data concerning student perceptions and practices in higher education. The essay introduces four articles based on…

Hypothesizes a conditional logit model of decision making to explain collegiate major selection. Results suggest a link between student environment and preference structure and preference structures and student major selection. Suggests findings are limited by use of a largely commuter student population. (KMF)

Data were collected from students in grades 6-8 in five schools to determine the impact of school organizational structure on: (1) students' number of reported opposite race friends; (2) evaluations of close White and Black friends; (3) school interracial climate; (4) quality of school life; and (5) frequency of observed cross race interactions.…