The Small Island Developing State of Jamaica, in the Caribbean region, is facing significant environmental, economic, and social challenges. Violence has become a serious challenge for Jamaica and several other countries in the region; the level of violence against and among children is particularly disturbing. Perhaps even more troubling is the…

Describes an experimental course in communication arts covering reading and language arts from kindergarten to grade l2 designed to promote cooperative learning between the special educator and the classroom teacher. (CM)

Explores the meaning of going to school in Guajiquiro, a deprived rural area in Honduras. Detailed descriptions of daily experiences at an elementary and a middle school spell out the range of investments needed to improve and sustain educational opportunities for Honduran children. Highlights the importance of shared ownership and community-based…

Defines conflict resolution and peer mediation and reviews the theoretical base for conflict resolution research. Examines the goals and activities of several peer mediation programs, and discusses the benefits of such programs. Notes that conflict resolution and peer mediation offer feasible opportunities for an entire school community to create…

Explores the role that schools can play in providing direction, guidance, and support to children and adolescents in the face of growing violence in society and in schools. Discusses the development and implementation of preventive measures such as additions to the curriculum, mentoring programs, child abuse and neglect programs, parent education,…

Contains abstracts of eight documents and six journal articles from the ERIC database that concern the creation of school and community environments in which children are safe from violence. (MDM)

Maintains that the division of opinions in a staff can determine an educational innovation's success or failure. Teacher empowerment can help forge widespread agreement and consensus for the innovation. These principles are exemplified by the Sizer initiative in the Delaware schools, which is described. (BB)

Reviews three special interest publications: (1) "Learning Readiness: Promising Strategies," a directory of model programs addressing social problems that impede learning; (2) "Standards for Quality School-Age Child Care," about quality standards for before- and after-school child care programs; and (3) "Hostile Hallways: The AAUW Survey on Sexual…

Summarizes recent ERIC documents and journal articles and highlights some World Wide Web resources that discuss various issues related to the education of immigrant children in the United States and other countries. Includes resources addressing language issues, program design, culturally relevant education and counseling, and best practices.…

Highlights the ways in which immigrant children from the Chinese mainland are helped to assimilate into Hong Kong society. Discusses programs to meet the challenges of securing age-appropriate school placements; adjusting to a new education system and curricula; adapting to a new school and social environment; facing segregation, prejudice, and…