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)

Recent high school reform efforts strongly recommend that schools model democratic principles and give students, teachers, parents, and community members a significant role in school governance and the decision-making process. Specific recommendations include the creation of site-based decision-making councils, student leadership forums, and…

Reports on a study which reviewed student successes and failures in an on-going student controlled program, where accountability, persistence and continuing commitment were required. Several conclusions are presented and weaknesses noted in these programs, many of which can be seen in faculty and administrative programs, too. (Author/PC)

Why do secondary schools follow the practice of having student assemblies? What are these assemblies expected to accomplish? Who should be involved in planning them? What types of programs best suit educational, cultural, and informational purposes? How can systematic evaluation or appraisal of student assemblies be achieved? These and similar…

This workbook contains a series of learning packages which can be administered in a workshop setting or used individually. Dealing directly with key aspects of the student council, this book offers: (1) important learning experiences through problem solving; (2) leadership training for responsible citizenship, and (3) the opportunity to work…

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)

This paper explores the roles and responsibilities of student trustees in California Community Colleges from two perspectives, that of a student representative and that of a trustee member of the governing board. The different views reflect different assumptions about the student trustee position. The concerns expressed include frustration about…

At Trenton State College (New Jersey), students' fees pay back a bond issue that built a sports center to their specifications. (Author)

The purpose of this paper is to describe Hazelwood, an early nineteenth-century experiment in progressive education; analyze the reasons for Hazelwood's closure; to re-examine the school's influence; and to evaluate the validity of its favorable reputation. (Author/KC)

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)