This article examines various aspects of school physical characteristics relating to problem behavior among students. We hypothesize that an attractive physical environment will be associated with less truancy, cigarette, alcohol, and marijuana use, whereas a negative physical environment will be associated with higher levels of these behaviors.…

Troubled children need teachers who acknowledge the child's burden and then get on with business. They need to believe that they are essentially the same as every other child in school and, despite their problems, can succeed. (MT)

Analyzes ethical/legal aspects of confidentiality and privileged communication as they relate to school counselors. Makes suggestions for establishing confidentiality in school setting while taking into account scope of practice issues and obligations of informed consent. Presents guidelines for when and how to break confidentiality in situations…

The article discusses problems experienced by gifted students, offers suggestions for workable solutions, and lists some common attributes required by both parents and teachers to achieve positive interaction. It is concluded that parents and teachers working together--using patience, commitment, and understanding--will benefit the gifted child.…

Two recent visitors to the People's Republic of China report on dramatic changes in that nation's educational system. Besides experiencing some student problems similar to those in the U.S. (such as disobedience, early maturity, and reluctance to attend school), China faces the major problems confronting any Third World nation emerging in a…

Mary Hatwood Futrell, President, National Education Association; Gorden M. Ambach, President, University of the State of New York; Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children's Defense Fund; Rene C. Gonzalez, Office of Educational Research and Improvement; and Nancy Reagan identify students' noninstructional needs. (DMM)

Describes a dropout prevention program used for eight years in Joliet Township, Illinois, high schools. (MD)

Discusses ethical dilemmas inherent in the school setting that result from conflicts in counselor responsibilities to pupils, parents, and school. An ethical dilemma involving a pregnant student who is considering an abortion is described, and some possible counselor responses are discussed. (Author)

Offers a list of nonthreatening questions to use in determining why a large number of students are doing unsatisfactory work in one teacher's class. Gives guidelines for the administrator's use of the information gained, including a chart showing how to analyze course offerings and grades. (WD)

This article presents a basic description of bibliotherapy and suggests ways a classroom teacher can apply the technique to help a student with emotional problems. Some titles relevant to childhood problems are suggested for pupils aged five to eight. (SJL)

Discusses use of bibliotherapy by school counselor. Provides bibliotherapy resource list on these topics: abandonment, abortion and pregnancy, aging, alcoholism, anorexia nervosa, belonging, child abuse, dating, death, delinquency, divorce, drug abuse, family relationships, friendship, identity, inferiority, love, maturation, prejudice, rebellion,…

Focuses on the internal source of stress. Offers basic tools for school counselors who wish to address the problem of stress. Presents three basic stress reduction techniques which school counselors can easily implement. Gives an overview of two stress management programs, one for elementary levels and one for secondary levels. (Author/NB)

Briefly reviews recent trends in research on writing; introduces theory-based model being developed for differential diagnosis of writing disabilities at neuropsychological, linguistic, and cognitive levels; presents cases and patterns in cases that illustrate differential diagnosis of writing disabilities at linguistic level; and suggests…

Because public school music teachers, particularly those involved with choral and instrumental ensembles, have the opportunity to develop a long-term relationship with their students, they can often help students solve difficult growing problems. Discussed are basic communication skills which a teacher can use in the teacher-student relationship.…

Describes the Alternative Rehabilitation Program at Horner Junior High School (Pennsylvania). This program takes problem students out of regular classrooms so that students who want to learn no longer suffer from classroom disruptions. (MD)