This brief discusses the benefits of small schools and whether schools can be too small. For years, it was thought that larger schools could offer more comprehensive instructional programs of greater quality at lower costs than smaller schools. However, recent research indicates that larger may not be better, and that smaller schools may in fact…

This document serves as a supportive tool for school counselors and their programs. It focuses on counseling issues and ideas, and has a particular emphasis on ideas for best practice. It also serves an important role in promoting the school counseling profession. This issue includes the following articles: (1) "Format for the Future:…

Much of this brief comes from the ERIC Digest on Zero Tolerance Policies (ERIC #: ED451579). State legislatures and school boards are adopting a growing number of zero-tolerance polices toward weapons, guns, and violence. Zero-tolerance polices are rules intended to address specific school-safety issues. Despite the controversies that it has…

Successful facilities management is described as based on a 10-point comprehensive program including: (1) physical planning policy; (2) facilities analysis; (3) management audit; (4) space utilization; (5) capital programs; (6) deferred maintenance; (7) controlled maintenance; (8) energy conservation; (9) environmental quality, health, and safety;…

Studied relationship between student and parent perceptions of school social environment (SE) and school membership. Found that the relationship of parent satisfaction to SE was best explained by school climate, school-parent communication, and empowerment of parents. The relationship of student enjoyment to SE was best explained by staff…

Examines nine school-based peer mediation and conflict resolution projects supported by state health departments in Florida, Maryland, Missouri, and North Carolina, noting project differences regarding targeted students, project consultants, teacher and student training, mediation format, teaching methods/curriculum content, complementary…

Secondary analysis of the 1993 Metlife survey of teachers' perceptions of and experiences with violence examined the issue in more detail. Most teachers felt safe and had not experienced violence. They perceived violence as more likely in secondary schools, urban schools, and schools with predominantly minority student populations. (SM)

Alternative schools have the potential to reduce dropouts, improve student achievement and parental involvement, reinforce class integration, and provide support for students dissatisfied with traditional programs. (Author)

Lists five module objectives and discusses the overall need for the modules. Indicates each module is preceded by a statement of the problem and objectives are aimed specifically at the anticipation and reduction of potential hazards. Offers examples of modules on fume hoods and on disposal of waste. (MVL)

A report prepared by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and education organization, captures, frames, and focuses the public's concerns about public schools. Higher standards and more challenging work are supported, with emphasis on safety, order, and the basics of education, coupled with skepticism about unproven reform efforts. (SLD)

Examines a wide range of potential safety and security issues in center-based child care. Suggestions include specific procedures for responding to all likely emergencies and for evacuating the center; plans to notify parents and secure the children; and safe access to the center and children in a consistent and sensible way. (AA)

Notes that incidence of violence reflects disproportionate representation of ethnic and racial minorities, especially African Americans and Latinos, as both victims and victimizers. Presents model for understanding cultures in context of American society to help school psychologists develop effective violence prevention strategies. (Author/NB)

Examines ethos of sexual relations between students and faculty members, particularly as it relates to female students and professors. The discussion covers university policies, the imbalance of power and a betrayal of trust, opposition to and benefits of regulations, student-initiated relationships, professorial authority, gender and cultural…

Describes the Baltimore (Maryland) School-Family-Community Partnership Program and the ways in which it provides urban school youth with greater support for avoiding maladaptive behaviors, supplies them with safe havens after school, and ensures that they travel to and from school without harm. Three schools that have successfully implemented this…

Presents an overview of the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, a key federal program that provides funding directly to states and local educational agencies to facilitate drug and violence prevention programs. The Gun-Free Schools Act is also examined, and the major challenges communities face in correcting school safety problems are…