Presents information on how the 1974 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) defines education records, guarantees parents review and appeal of records about their child, and restricts release of student records, discussing the provisions of the 1994 Improving America's Schools Act which amended several components of the FERPA. (SM)

Researchers examined willingness to use a school-based health center's (SBHC) primary care services. Rural 7th through 12th graders completed a survey. Results indicated that, although most were initially unwilling to change their primary care site to an SBHC, many were willing to use a variety of the offered services. (SM)

Reports a study of the effectiveness of a third grade sexual abuse prevention program. Students who did and who did not receive the intervention completed a pre- and postprogram questionnaire. Results indicated that those completing the intervention significantly increased their sexual abuse knowledge scores and their behavioral intention scores.…

Addresses decision-making skills as one approach to increasing adolescents' ability to manage interpersonal violence. Data from Healthy Transitions, a pilot violence prevention study in Baltimore (Maryland), illustrate ways adolescents think about situations of social conflict and highlight the need to understand adolescents' viewpoints when…

Summarizes the epidemiology of AIDS in children in the United States reported cumulatively from 1982 through September 1996, presenting rates for 1995, and discussing HIV surveillance and reporting for children. The data show that the incidence of perinatally acquired AIDS has declined, a trend that probably reflects the effect of perinatal ZDV…

This study evaluated the association between middle school students' perceived risk of fighting and actual fighting behavior, examining the effects of race, gender, and grade. Surveys indicated that perceived risk of fighting was high, and one in five students fought regularly. There were associations between race, gender, grade, and fighting. (SM)

Using 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, this study assessed Texas high school (N=6,015) and college students' (N=1048) alcohol use, tobacco use, and sexual behavior. Results indicated that the high school students initiated risk behaviors at much earlier ages than the college students, but college students reported a higher incidence of the…

This study examined 1993-94 Maine Educational Assessment data to determine factors related to fourth-grade students' health knowledge scores. Results indicated that students' overall ability, community factors, and teachers' perceptions about program quality related strongly to health achievement. Any (versus no) health education affected health…

Describes how to teach secondary students about human reproduction using the game "Jeopardy." Students respond to five categories of questions about reproduction, receiving points for correct answers. This encourages students' full participation in learning, allows students to integrate concepts, and reinforces the idea that learning can be fun.…

This report summarizes recommendations for encouraging physical activity among young people so they will continue to engage in physical activity into adulthood. Written by the Centers for Disease Control and national experts, the guidelines include recommendations about 10 aspects of school and community programs to promote lifelong physical…

Research confirms a direct link between student health risk behavior and education outcomes, education behaviors, and student attitudes. This article discusses barriers to comprehensive school health programming; summarizes relevant information concerning several health-risk behaviors (intentional injuries, diet, physical activity, sexual-risk…

Describes an organized set of materials prospective school health educators should develop to accurately represent their newly acquired skills and competencies. The portfolio should include cooperating teacher evaluations, videotapes of teaching episodes, examples of their work, samples of assessment instruments, statements of philosophy, examples…

Over 10,000 health-related sites exist on the World Wide Web, but there is no consistent system for evaluation or review of their information. This article describes elements to consider in constructing and evaluating Web pages (content, authorship, purpose, and page aesthetics). A health-related Web site evaluation form is included. (SM)

This study assessed preservice elementary teachers' attitudes toward homosexual parents and their children. Surveys of 198 preservice teachers who completed the Gay and Lesbian Parenting Questionnaire indicated that some homophobia existed, though less than expected. Females had significantly more favorable attitudes toward homosexual parents and…

Nine components critical to school-based violence prevention include using comprehensive, multifaceted approaches; beginning in primary grades and reinforcing across grade levels; being developmentally appropriate; promoting personal and social competencies; using interactive techniques; being culturally sensitive; using staff development;…