Claims that the motivation to act on moral judgments is dependent, in part, on one's conception of the good life. Argues that the interest in acting morally may be particularly salient in adolescence and ethical behavior and may be established at that time. Suggests focusing on moral action in educational programs. (KO)

Explored the latent structure of adolescent alcohol use and its construct validity. Using data from 2,096 American Indian high school students, a double cross-validation design uncovered a three-dimensional latent structure of adolescent alcohol use: quantity/frequency, negative consequences, and serious problem drinking. These distinct, yet…

An awareness of the developmental needs of adolescents is important in planning for students in a Montessori program. Six important principles to consider when planning for young adolescents are time; thematic, integrated curriculum; choice; time to be together; time to be alone; and technology and nontext reading materials. (TJQ)

Notes that Montessori envisioned that the ideal environment for adolescents was "Erdkinder," or "children of the land." She believed that nature could provide a calming force for adolescents, and working the land with peers could prepare adolescents for real life. Describes the development of the Blackwood Land Laboratory,…

A study that included observations and interviews in street and school settings throughout California and in selected cities nationwide documented the changing nature of gang identity within the broader context of street style and adolescent expression. Suggests that targeting student behavior, as opposed to style of clothing, would be more…

The Adolescents' Media Practice Model is proposed and discussed. The model emphasizes a dialectical process in which the media are important cultural agents with influence on audiences that is amplified and restrained by individuals who interact with the media from their own positions. The model is grounded in "room culture." (SLD)

Although equal numbers of highly gifted boys and girls are found from early childhood until about age 12, 98% of the preeminent adults are male. This may be because, during preadolescence and adolescence, girls receive societal messages that undermine gifted girls' confidence and motivation. A vigorous campaign is needed to establish gender equity…

Argues that effective sociomoral group treatment programs must not only motivate but also remedy the limitations of antisocial youth who would help one another change. Proposes a program with program implementation, outcome evidence, and a plea for program evaluation. (CFR)

Summarizes and discusses results of the longitudinal study that comprises this monograph issue. Results concern: (1) marital, parent-child, and sibling relationships in families with single and remarried mothers; (2) the relationship between parenting style and adolescent adjustment; and (3) the relationship between marital transitions and…

Examines national trends in the consequence of youth and adult behavior in four areas: violent crime arrests, violent deaths, total births, and alcohol-indicated fatal traffic crashes. Statistics indicate that youth mirror parents and society, responding better to measures which reduce problem behavior in both youth and adults. (SM)

Schools and adolescent students in today's society need support from surrounding communities and meaningful people. Community organizations of all kinds are important for recreating the critical aspects of community that once made it possible to grow up and participate in the mainstream of society. (SM)

Describes the religious education curriculum at Father Flanagan's Boys' Home, which combines preventative teaching, praise, interaction, and skill-based instructional approaches for at-risk youth. Discusses the shared Christian praxis approach to religious education, describes adolescents' developmental needs, and highlights teachers' willingness…

Twelve papers on the emergence and maintenance of severe clinical depression and depressive symptoms during adolescence are presented. Topics include parental influences, epidemiological data, depressive and negative affect, hormonal effects, preadolescent symptoms, sex differences, longitudinal studies with rhesus monkeys, suicidal ideation,…

States that students struggling to find ways of establishing independence need support from home, school, and community. Suggests books and activities suitable for classroom use dealing with moving, being different, money, family concerns, and death. (PRA)

Describes ways to improve middle-level preservice education, noting the importance of providing carefully designed educational experiences for 10 to 14-year-olds. Program shortcomings can be reduced by adopting a middle-level orientation and providing prospective teachers with knowledge of young adolescent development and sound middle-level…