Describes the adolescent self from the viewpoint of cognitive-developmental psychology. Discusses changes in society brought by the shift to a post-industrial society. Proposes that adolescents will be able to choose between accepting the status quo and striving to envision a better social reality. (CB)

Reviews research on the effect of school climate on the social development of early adolescents and on three curricular programs (values clarification, moral development, and cooperative learning). Concludes that schools can positively influence socio-moral development through non-traditional schooling, i.e., open and democratic environments,…

Four cases of Native American children are used to illustrate the importance of considering emotional needs. Only when these needs are satisfied can the children achieve academically. A plea is made to practitioners to return to the inner dimensions of thinking and feeling. (CB)

Discusses the increasing problem of drug abuse among young people in terms of social causes, including the disappearance of childhood, the changing family unit, changing value systems of the peer culture, prevailing social norms, and parental attitudes. Examples are given of mass media messages that promote drug use. (CB)

Gives statistical information on the "national epidemic" of teenage sexual activity and pregnancy and its consequences. Discusses social causes of this problem. Proposes that schools can help solve the problem by providing a formal sex education curriculum for pupils in kindergarten through grade 12. (CB)

Proposes that teachers of young adolescents discover and meet the needs that direct individual students' behaviors in the classroom by applying Maslow's theory of need-satisfaction. Discusses adolescents' responses to different needs, effective teaching responses, and positive aspects of adolescent descriptors. Gives examples of four students who…

Dscribes a school-wide program of improving communication with parents through positive telephone contacts with teachers and the principal; a monthly principal's newsletter; a student reading program; parents' comments on report card envelopes; a school improvement council; parent visits and lunches; Project LOVE (Let Older Volunteers Educate);…

Describes the historical development of the conception and social manifestation of modern childhood, beginning in the Renaissance and spurred by the invention of the printing press and the need for literacy. Proposes that social pressures and especially the electronic media are leading to the end of childhood as a social institution. (CB)

Describes the activities of three 11- to 13-year-old cousins and one two-year-old during a family vacation. Discusses the youngsters' swings from adult-like behavior to childish rambunctiousness in terms of adult expectations and attitudes. (CB)

Describes a project for fourth graders based on a book by Shel Silverstein. After the teacher read and discussed the book with the students, they acted out the story and wrote original versions. Next, a professional painted an impressionist painting of the story. Finally, the students made their own paintings. (CB)

Reviews research on the effects of grade retention and discusses two models for making decisions about promotion. Concludes that neither grade retention nor social promotion necessarily solves the academic difficulties of low-achieving students. Discusses possibilities for altering existing curriculum, teaching, and learning. (CB)

Summarizes 10 recent ERIC documents concerning the development and education of young adolescents. Issues covered in these documents include the definition of adolescence and adolescence in relation to sexual, physical, cognitive, and social development, family life, after-school needs, risk-taking behavior, educational needs, and teacher…

Maintains that full-day kindergarten programs can derive at least part of their curriculum from the diverse gifts of social and cultural knowledge that children bring to the classroom. Includes a description of a kindergarten class that explored the topic of grandparents. (BB)

Discusses historical and contemporary views of children's rights. Considers the roles of parents and society in ensuring these rights. Also discusses the role of early childhood professionals in enhancing the protection rights of children. (BB)

Argues that contingency play as an intervention strategy can ameliorate abused and neglected children's alienation from adults, reduce stress, and develop positive modes of behavior. The argument is supported by a case study of a four-year-old girl in a day treatment center for abused and neglected children. (BB)