Author discusses what can be done with the design of student government organizations to make them more responsive to the needs of the student body. (Editor/CB)

The thrust of this paper is that while a great deal is being said about student participation in governance, little is being done to prepare them for such participation. The rhetoric has changed but curriculum has not. Until curriculum demands responsible, creative reactions in the classroom, responsible participation in governance will remain…

Described is a jury trial involving intermediate grade students as defendants, lawyers, and jury, with an adult as judge. It is suggested that it is important to deal with serious offenses at school in a democratic way that involves students in decision making. (KC)

Teachers at a laboratory middle school in Evanston, Illinois, reconceptualized and revitalized an ailing student council according to some meaningful goals: empowering and involving all students, creating an atmosphere for cooperative action, and offering opportunities for service. There are three main arms to this action council (service,…

Discusses student representation in academic government with particular reference to the academic boards of the 30 designated polytechnics in England and Wales. In addition to discussing underlying principles of student representation, the article gives data for polytechnic university senates. (Author/PG)

Author offered some suggestions for starting a student council thereby stimulating students toward decision making and the ability to handle change in a positive manner. (Author/RK)

The principal of DeLand (Florida) Junior High School describes a system which has been successful in overcoming apathy toward his student council. (Editor)

Compared college experiences, adult accomplishment, and employment history of 281 former student government participants and 203 nonparticipants. Results revealed no unique long-term effects from student government participation. However, student activity in general was related to job satisfaction and well-being. (JAC)

Suggests that citizenship cannot be effectively taught through school-focused programs emphasizing knowledge acquisition. Advocates an active approach which allows students to learn skills by experimenting and practicing them both in and out of school. Cites supportive research and three sample programs. (SJL)

A case study of how students have a voice in a school community. Describes the governance system and the ways students participate. Positive results have included a sense of ownership and pride, cooperative adult-student relationships, and the development of greater responsibility and citizenship. An appendix contains the school constitution. (MLF)

Leaders of student governments at the Big Ten universities have formed an organization to solve common problems and revitalize student activism on their campuses. Issues include: combating racism, sexism, and homophobia; pushing universities to establish better ways to recruit and retain minority faculty and students; etc. (MLW)

Describes the marked changes in the functions and effectiveness of student leadership groups the author has observed in her work as a student council advisor for over 20 years. (SR)

Based on the newly revised "Robert's Rules of Order," these self-contained learning activities will help students successfully and actively participate in school, social, civic, political, or professional organizations. There are 13 lessons. Topics studied include the what, why, and history of parliamentary procedure; characteristics of the ideal…

Introduces ad hocracy, an emerging alternative system of junior college government, which encourages informal student involvement, allowing students to participate in activities of special interest without demanding lengthy commitments. (TP)

Kids learn self-government with a little help from their furry friends. (Editor)