Contends that peer mediation offers a way for students to settle disagreements without violence and without involving the traditional system of school discipline. Discusses brief background about peer mediation, then presents one high school mediation program that has been implemented and evaluated. Outlines step-by-step approach to implement a…

This article examines the program planning implications of specific advantages and disadvantages to competency testing which have been cited by lawyers and educators. Part of a theme issue on student assessment. (SJL)

Identifies the difficulties in establishing support services international students. Offers guidelines on the organization and coordination of services needed upon entry into the U.S. and arrival on campus, while the student pursues studies, and in preparation for returning home. Lists organizations that can assist in program development. (DMM)

Properly conceived and implemented new initiatives are essential to improving schools and communities. Such new initiatives usually are pursued as projects, pilots, or demonstrations, with temporary funding and staffing. When the funding ends, more often than not much of what has been developed disappears. Sometimes this is appropriate (e.g., when…

It is time for reform advocates to expand their emphasis on improving instruction and school management to include a comprehensive component for addressing barriers to learning. In doing so, they must pursue this third component with the same level of priority they devote to the other two. That is, such an enabling (or learner support) component…