Much confusion exists about basic skill learning and the open classroom as evidenced in a recent Gallup poll. Skill teaching practices in the open classroom are solidly rooted on some fundamental tenets which are discussed along with the teacher's role in skill development procedures. (Author/RK)

Offering an alternative to traditional language arts methods textbooks, this collection of 20 essays by master teachers is grouped into 4 main sections. Following an introduction, essays in the book are: (1) "Walter" (Vivian Gussin Paley); (2) "Children Become Writers: A Conversation with Two Teachers" (Cyndy Hoffman and Carol…

This article discusses the need for competitions and contests in schools to develop and enhance talents in academics, fine and performing arts, leadership, and service learning. An academic contest school assessment checklist is included. Information on several national contests for children and youth is presented. (CR)

A study with 101 college freshmen indicates that freshman experience promotes increasing intellectual complexity for both sexes, but more for males than females. Analysis of student expectations and perceptions of environments shows subtle differences that may account for differential growth, suggesting some approaches to creating equitable…

Describes a values education program developed in the city of Hamilton, Ontario. Advocates removing values education from the realm of the hidden curriculum as found in the traditional school model of knowledge of facts, mastery of technical skills, and awareness of attitudes. Emphasizes the importance of continual interaction between school and…

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)

A discussion of the mentoring relationship between faculty and graduate students looks at the special needs of this population, the two primary goals of transformation and reciprocity, creation of an interpersonal context for successful mentoring, and the dynamics of the reciprocal relationship between mentor and protege. (MSE)

In experiential education, the ABCs of participant experience are agency (allowing students to become more powerful change agents in their lives); belonging (sharing a sense of community); and competence (developing students' cognitive, physical, and social competence). A research review discusses these and other components in a conceptual…

A teacher at a nontraditional school describes how a 12-year-old boy with a background of personal loss and school failure was helped to find his way by an apprenticeship experience in which he reconstructed his school desk. The pivotal contribution came from the boy's mentor, while the school's contribution lay in what it didn't do. (SV)

Presents a historical perspective about how student affairs have responded to the central purpose of learning in colleges and universities. Describes how college student affairs were originally cast in a dualistic role with academic affairs, but then developed into a more progressive and holistic philosophy. (Author/SR)

This "snapshot" illustrates how one school is managing to make a positive difference for ninth graders. It describes the Ninth Grade Success Academy, a school-within-a-school at Thomas A. Edison High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which has a number of features specifically designed to help ninth-graders make successful…

One of the greatest challenges facing today's district-level policymakers and educational leaders is helping America's youth avoid adverse outcomes such as school failure, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, and delinquency. This document describes an alternative policy approach to address these problems--the building of resiliency in youth. Rather…

Supporting Greek life has been an important educational initiative for many colleges and universities. Although Greek students are typically involved with the college and community, there are other aspects of Greek culture, such as hazing and alcohol abuse, which are troublesome to university administrators. This document discusses standards, set…

Reanalysis of past research on student outcomes and adjustment illustrates that school effects do exist. One of those influential school effects is school climate. A survey of teachers and students at eight Swedish junior high schools sought to measure the effects of teaching and social climate on student achievement, behavior, and social and…

This report profiles 10 public schools that, with help from businesses or community-based organizations, have created outstanding arts programs. A quality arts education helps students develop creative and critical thinking, innovative problem solving, effective communication, self-discipline, teamwork, and a respect for diverse cultures. The…