The widespread disruptions stemming from the coronavirus pandemic have jolted American school systems since March 2020. Students and educators have grappled with the profound academic challenges of remote learning and with the social isolation it produced. As the 2020-21 school year closed, however, there was some reason for optimism. The spread…

The transition to more formal schooling in kindergarten can be difficult for young children and their families. However, preparing children for this transition can produce positive results. This article examines the qualitative results of a four- to six-week transition program for 715 children. Data include parent and school surveys as well as…

Schools remain one of the few social institutions that have the potential to bring youth together across racial and ethnic lines. New social science research demonstrates the importance of fostering sustained interracial contact between youth in order to prepare them to thrive in a multiracial society. This brief aims to summarize much of this new…

Surveys show rates of sexual harassment and misogyny among students are high in U.S. secondary schools--yet most schools fail to deal with this problem. Many educators would like to intervene when they hear students use degrading or sexualized language about girls (or LGBTQ youth) or harass them, but don't know how to do so effectively. The…

This paper tells the remarkable and compelling story of Leonard Covello, a ground breaking progressive educator who worked tirelessly to shape public education in New York City during the first half of the 20th century. Covello was the founding principal of Benjamin Franklin High School (BFHS) in East Harlem in the 1930s. The author invites…

Many rural communities are experiencing a diversity of issues, but what part does leadership play in these communities? This qualitative study describes the environment within two communities in the southeast focusing on community variables of psychological sense of community, community leadership, and social capital. Leaders were identified and a…

A survey of 73 parents, most having gifted children, examined perceptions of the development of leadership abilities. Parents identified: leader characteristics; their children's strongest and weakest areas of leadership skills; methods for encouraging leadership development; school opportunities for leadership experiences; the role of teachers,…

This article discusses the family as source of values, parents as role models, character education, and where to find help. A sidebar describes a leadership training program for students at West High School in Anchorage (Alaska) contributed by Joan Kuersten. An annotated list of resources with publication information and addresses of organizations…

This manual provides schools with guidelines for developing leadership training that empowers American Indian students to become contributing citizens of their school and community. In November 1994, the Association of Community Tribal Schools sponsored a seminar that sought input from American Indian students regarding leadership training. This…