Too often, high school is a place that stifles creativity while fostering competition, conformity, intolerance, and the mean-spiritedness reflected in society. Students do not feel welcome and are caught in a developmental holding pattern. Proactive community-building efforts in Wisconsin and Colorado high schools are described. (MLH)

Camp, with its community living focus, presents a constant source of potential conflicts and offers an ideal environment to help campers develop their problem-solving skills. Steps in social problem solving are listed, and an example of problem-solving skills in action is offered. Counselors can discuss conflicts with campers and ask for group…

Describes teaching methods that promote reflexivity, a practice of observing and locating one's self as a knower within certain cultural and sociohistorical contexts, in order to open up the classroom for all students. Provides seven strategies that each incorporate reflexivity within a course, such as modeling and inviting speakers. (CMK)

Examines best practice examples of student welfare policies that address bullying and harassment through strategies to promote a positive school ethos. Stresses the importance of teacher modeling of respectful relationships and promotion of effective conflict resolution procedures throughout the school community. (Contains 23 references.)…

Camp directors are role models for staff, and their behavior sets the tone for staff behavior. Treat staff like adults. Treat them with respect; be demanding and fair. Clearly tell them what is expected. Encourage initiative, and don't punish the mistakes that come with learning to make decisions. Anecdotes illustrate how inappropriate management…

Educators cannot be rigid about using same- or cross-sex grouping, as both can be beneficial. Race and gender equity are complex, interrelated issues. Three ways of thinking can lead to potential conflicts between race and gender in equity pursuits: either/or, hierarchical, and universal (categorical). Both/and thinking and same-sex/same-race…

Describes a mass communications program at Texas's San Antonio College that invites Pulitzer Prize recipients to give guest lectures. Includes a list of the speakers who have lectured since the program's inception in 1978, a description of the speakers' accomplishments, and a description of program activities. (MAB)

Because today's families tend to be scattered geographically, children are less likely to interact with grandparents and other older adults. A volunteer coordinator describes the enriching experiences stimulated by a senior pen- pal program in Staten Island (New York) schools involving third graders and senior citizens. (MLH)

The British government developed a program that assigned mentors to help secondary students overcome barriers to individual learning. This coincides with increasing calls within the black community and among male activists for male role models to remedy male student underachievement. Examines the sociohistorical, political, and cultural processes…

Describes how middle school language arts and mathematics teachers integrated biographical storytelling about successful Latinas and reflective and affirmative writing with their instruction. Notes that Latinas face special social and cultural pressures that prompt many girls to leave school without a diploma. (SG)

Explores requirements for mentoring graduate students of color, debunking five myths about such mentoring, examining mentoring models, and recommending three modalities for individuals who wish to mentor minority graduate students ("academic midwifery,""role modeling," and "frientoring"). Each of the three modalities requires care and support,…

This article discusses how special education teachers can serve as mentors to parents of children with physical and health disabilities. The benefits of mentoring to both the parent and the mentor are described. The stages that the relationship may go through and potential barriers are also addressed. (Author/CR)

Discusses how camps can cultivate staff from among the camper ranks. Outlines questions to consider in deciding whether internal leadership development (ILD) is appropriate and feasible. Describes elements of successful ILD programs and six training techniques to maximize ILD: leadership by example, delegation of responsibility, role-playing,…

In his experiences as a prekindergarten teacher, this author was struck by a simple revelation that has informed and guided his teaching practice. He discovered that the things he enjoyed teaching most were almost always connected to his own passions and values. He found that during fascinating, teachable moments the most novel thing happened: He…

This article is based on an interview study with 14 women teachers in Icelandic primary schools (6-16 years old). It presents their experiences and opinions about the differences in teaching boys and girls as well as what they believe about their prospects and possibilities in school and in the future. It also portrays their opinions regarding the…