In spite of the proven research studies that cite the beneficial effects of a positive, assets-based approach to child development and discipline (Scales, 2000; Jones & Jones, 1998; Benson, Galbraith, & Espeland, 1994), numerous school systems adhere to the articulation of tiered levels of misconduct, which identify minor to severe types of…

A formal model of social norms with multiple equilibria is estimated using data from the Add-Health Survey of 20,000 U.S. high school students. The results suggest that there is considerable diversity in social norm equilibria, with only some schools enforcing norms against sexual activity.

A number of colleges in the US are adopting conduct codes for their athletes, which set both expectations for behavior and punishments for specific infractions and give athletics directors, rather than coaches, the power to bench players who break the rules. Some athletic officials call such codes too rigid, though the proponents feel the…

Although any new undertaking is exciting because of the opportunities it may bring, the transition to college life also brings new pressures and uncertainties. From the shelter of home, young people emerge into a new culture, with a new environment for success. Here they are their own masters, often far from the vigilance of parents and the…

Responses to two questions on a sexuality survey administered to a random sampling of college students reveal that (1) most students feel sex standards should be the same for both sexes (yet differ on what that standard should be), and (2) most students are virgins upon college entrance, but are not at graduation. (MJB)

Describes a high school principal's efforts to establish strict dress and behavior codes for commencement participants, particularly graduates. Highlights the importance of an adequate budget, faculty preparation, guest and student speakers, personalized diplomas, music, seating, and other elements of a meaningful, decorous commencement ceremony.…

While not representative of all students, those who demonstrate a sense of entitlement demand a great deal of instructors' time and energy. Our article places student entitlement in its social context, with specific attention to the prevalence of the consumer mentality, grade inflation, and the self-esteem of the student generation. We then…

A multilevel design was used to test a model in which teachers' attitudes (beliefs) about bullying (e.g., it is normative; assertive children do not get bullied; children wouldn't be bullied if they avoided mean kids) were hypothesized to influence if and how they intervene in bullying interactions. In turn, it was hypothesized that teachers'…

At three different elementary schools, a principal--with the help of community, staff, and students--led a behavior committee with the acronym C.A.R.E.S. (cooperation, attitude, respect, effort, and safety). The program of caring and good citizenship reinforces good behavior and promptly takes steps against vandalism. (MLF)

Suggests that a student code of conduct and formal disciplinary and grievance procedures are necessary in adult education programs. (SK)

Most schools have a code of conduct, pledge, or behavioral standards, set by the district or school board with the school community. In this article, the author features some schools that created a new vision of instilling code of conducts to students based on work quality, respect, safety and courtesy. She suggests that communicating the code…

Many states and large city school districts have developed codes outlining student rights and responsibilities in an all-out effort to avoid legal entanglements. This article explains the assumptions and definitions upon which standards have been established. (Editor)

The results of this study of 168 first year university students are consistent with the literature and emphasized the strong motivating factor of social norms. Four characteristics of recyclers are identified using a 23-item measurement instrument--sorting, location, importance and social norms--which account for 29.7%, 14.0%, 8.9% and 7.1% of the…

Much has been written about the adaptation from criminology of the "Broken Windows" theory of order maintenance in successful urban educational models. Yet, the manner in which the theory is written and discussed often misses the nuances and feel of the theory as successfully applied. This misunderstanding has lead to its conflation with the "Zero…