This book presents ways in which teachers can build virtue and character in middle and high school students. The text is divided into three parts. In part 1, "Measuring Virtue," ways in which virtue can be restored to education are explored. The chapters examine the problems teachers face, the elements of virtue, how to make virtue operational,…

Noting that bullying among primary school-age children has become recognized as an antecedent to more violent behavior in later grades, the 3-year Maine Project Against Bullying examined currently available research on bullying and evaluated books, curricula, media materials, and programs to identify resources and strategies which can be applied…

This action research project sought to improve the social skills of targeted third-, fourth-, fifth-, and seventh-grade students in order to improve their classroom performance. The students' lack of social skills was documented by means of teacher observation checklists, teacher and student surveys, and past disciplinary records. Objectives of…

This action research project evaluated a program to improve students' ability to resolve conflicts. Many students of the targeted third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade classrooms lacked a well-defined sense of classroom community as well as the ability to resolve conflicts peaceably. Research indicated that specific skills needed to be taught. For this…

This book helps teachers develop personal plans of action to handle classroom discipline, offering progressive Plan A and Plan B strategies. Plan A strategies take seconds to implement. Plan B strategies take more time but are designed to turn around specific attitudes and behaviors. After an introduction, there are 9 chapters: (1) "Misbehaviors…

Much of this brief comes from the ERIC Digest on Zero Tolerance Policies (ERIC #: ED451579). State legislatures and school boards are adopting a growing number of zero-tolerance polices toward weapons, guns, and violence. Zero-tolerance polices are rules intended to address specific school-safety issues. Despite the controversies that it has…

The potential impacts of secondary school overcrowding upon student attitudes, behavior, and academic performance, and student-teacher, administrator interactions comprise the essential content of the paper. A review of current literature is presented. Implications and a discussion of possible alternatives to school overcrowding conclude this…

Describes how to handle noncompliant students in the classroom. Suggestions include eliminating excessive expectations, encouraging assertiveness, offering options and choices, giving the students specific responsibilities, taking control of homework, taking steps to avert potentially oppositional behavior, strategically rewarding compliance,…

Studied the extent to which types of after-school care in grades one, three, and five predict behavioral adjustment and academic performance in grade six. Found that higher amounts of self care predicted poorer adjustment, particularly for children displaying behavior problems in kindergarten or not participating in adult-supervised…

Details several instructional strategies for dealing with behavior problems in art education classrooms. These include establishing rules and procedures, structuring routine activities and procedures, monitoring student behavior, using a preplanned approach for dealing with misbehavior, and reflective teaching. (MJP)

Identified groups of economically disadvantaged children showing high externalizing behavior in first grade that persisted (persistent) or decreased (improver) in third grade, or low first- grade levels that were stable (unproblematic) or increased (new problem) in third grade. Found that verbal ability, behavioral impulsivity, parent…

Reviews trends in numbers of students excluded from school in England because of behavior problems, illustrating that permanent exclusions are rising. Proposes that causes for exclusion are psychosocial problems, family and social problems, stretched educational resources, and a cultural response to alienated and alienating behavior. Suggests…

Asserts that school violence is a major educational problem and reflects the increased violence in society. Examines responses by administrators and boards of education to school violence. Categorizes school policies regarding violence into deterrence, prevention, and treatment and discusses their effectiveness. (CFR)

Reports on a study of bullying and other forms of student-caused distress among 836 secondary students in England. Finds students experienced much more peer abuse in secondary schools than in elementary schools. Also finds that males recorded a significantly higher incidence of physical abuse than did females. (CFR)

A descriptive analysis of disruptive behavior was generated from filmed observations before and after self-management training with 2 junior high students, ages 13-14, with serious emotional disturbance. Self-management training included modeling, rehearsal, and rehearsal in the apparent absence of supervision. Conditions associated with problem…