As the educational community works together to improve academic achievement, the importance of character traits such as honesty, trustworthiness, self discipline, kindness, empathy, respect, responsibility, and courage must not be neglected. This guide has been designed to help educators and families in Massachusetts link character development and…

For young adolescents, the link that exists between learning during the school day and opportunities for educational and social growth in the afterschool hours warrants attention. By implementing the connections of this link, young people will be able to utilize the proper skills, experiences, and guidance necessary to become contributing members…

The importance of providing option-rich environments that facilitate the growth of individuals with disabilities toward self-determination is emphasized. Of concern is the centrality of self-determination, constraints to self-determination, and strategies to encourage individuals to become self-determined. (Author/SW)

The nature of mentoring and the role of faculty in mentoring college students are discussed, and some guiding principles in the mentoring relationship are outlined. These address the quality of communication between mentor and student, the mentor's role as sounding board and knowledgeable reference, understanding one's own limitations, helping…

The option of early entrance to college for gifted students is reviewed. Considered are advantages of early entrance, early entrance programs available at a variety of colleges and universities, social and emotional concerns, and potential difficulties of early entrance. Specific recommendations are offered to maximize the chances of success. (DB)

Describes current issues and difficulties inherent to the topic of critical thinking in physical education; also presents and discusses a schematic representation of a theoretical critical thinking model for the psychomotor domain (cognitive organizing, cognitive action, cognitive and psychomotor outcomes, and metacognitive monitoring). (SM)

Discussion of college student activities planning to meet needs of gay and lesbian students focuses on the need to create a campus climate of tolerance and appreciation. A model for development of gay self-acceptance is outlined, and considerations in hiring performers, and facilitating clubs and organizations are examined. (MSE)

Through cooperative games and play, children learn to share, empathize with others' feelings, and get along better. The article makes suggestions to physical educators on how to design games to teach students cooperative behaviors and how to incorporate them into class, noting four important game-design principles. (SM)

Argues for adopting the concept of colleges and universities as "total institutions," noting the importance of such characteristics as isolation, activities, location, unity of focused goals, and opportunities for student development. Implications of these considerations and characteristics for student recruitment, admissions, student orientation,…

Considers how to provide a supportive, secure environment to children of divorce through opportunities to exercise personal control, being tolerant of variable academic performance, and expressing faith in children's character and capacity for growth. Provides suggestions for creating safe channels for communication and teaching children coping…

States that theories of intellectual development offer writing teachers productive ways to analyze student writing; help students develop strategies for improving their writing processes; and consider the implications of writing assignments. Finds that frameworks posited by Jean Piaget and by others contribute useful ways of understanding why…

Outlines a method for helping graduate students develop a teaching philosophy statement, describes a teaching philosophy workshop held at the University of Waterloo (Ontario), and suggests tools for graduate students to explore on their own. Presents feedback on the workshop and tools in excerpts from reflective papers written by workshop…

The American College Personnel Association's "Student Learning Imperative" is a statement of principles for college personnel working outside the classroom that is designed to focus on the core mission of undergraduate education student learning and personal development. Current use of this statement around the country is reviewed, and…

Lack of proper discipline in schools has long been a major concern of the public. Proposals on how to improve discipline have ranged from the bizarre to the cruel. Educators and administrators must devise alternative punishments to replace traditional methods, such as corporal punishment, suspension, and expulsion, that are frequently ineffective.…

This guide, designed to accompany the "Middle Level Leadership Handbook" student guide, is helpful in assisting student advisers in building student leaders and overseeing student organizations. The guide begins with a section on leadership that covers how to process a learning experience, organize beliefs, and form ideas on leadership.…