The Nation : America’s Youth in Jeopardy, Study Says

The future of 7 million young people, one-quarter of the nation’s 10- to 17-year-olds, is in jeopardy because they are vulnerable to school failure, substance abuse, early unprotected sexual intercourse and other dangers, according to a Carnegie Corp. study. The 106-page report, “Turning Points: Preparing American Youth for the 21st Century,” suggested breaking big schools down into smaller “schools within schools” and not underestimating teen-agers’ willingness to respond to creative intellectual stimulation. For example, traditionally unconnected classes in English, arts, history and social studies could be organized around a single theme such as immigration. The report was released on the first day of a three-day meeting in Washington sponsored by the Carnegie Corp. and intended to focus on mid-level schools.