Outlines the program of Bethany Baptist Academy, a fundamentalist religious K-12 school in the Midwest. The school socializes the students to think and behave according to the dictates of its religious doctrine. (MD)

Presents data from a survey of the effectiveness of middle school programs in 34 states. The data show that changing to middle school organization results in student achievement gains, decreased discipline problems, enhanced personal development among students, and other positive effects. (MD)

Describes the Child Development Project in California, which holds that academic and character education are equally important goals for schools. The project has been established to produce long-lasting effects on children's "prosocial" development. (MD)

Growing public concern with student discipline, increases in student suicide rates, homicides, and high pregnancy rates of teenage girls are causing educators to give renewed attention to the concept of "character development" in public education. (MD)

Discusses the stereotyped concept of male roles in our society and posits a new vision of masculinity wherein boys would express a full range of behaviors and emotions, and maleness and femaleness would be equally valued. The change can begin with a rethinking of how masculinity is taught. (MD)

Discusses difficulties in designing a curriculum for Soviet schools that will allow students to master subjects and develop their individual personalities. Describes specific problems in designing secondary research: formulation of specific teaching/learning goals, integration of content, and reflection of the tasks of upbringing. Maps out…

A growing body of research focuses on resilient children--those who have persevered in the wake of terrible experiences and gone on to do well in school. Researchers suggest that school boards should become committed to raising academic standards; encouraging volunteers to serve as mentors; and keeping extracurricular activities. (MLF)