This study examines the use of individual development plans (IDPs) in a structured mentoring program as an effective mechanism for reducing identity-related anxiety for underrepresented trainees and increasing their learner agency. Social cognitive theory served to provide the theoretical framework for our implementation of IDPs and our…

Early childhood is a critical period to intervene for obesity, developmental and behavioural problems. Data from 1065 children in 14 Northeast Iowa Community Action Head Starts (HS) were collected between 2011 and 2018. Body mass index (BMI) and developmental scores were assessed at the beginning of each school year and compared after the first…

This paper reports the results of a narrative inquiry study on exchange programs, intercultural awareness, and professional development in eight former participants of the Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant--FLTA--program. This study used written narratives to collect data from eight participants of the FLTA scholarship program who…

Through a year-long study of welfare-to-work students in the community college CalWORKs program, we investigated what self-authorship development looks like by examining developmental progress, and whether there are patterns in development along the three dimensions of self-authorship. Findings demonstrate progress toward self-authorship, but…

Describes Individual Development Accounts (IDA), a federal program that combines low-income individuals' savings with matching funds for such goals as home ownership, education, and small business startup. Discusses their effect on community building and how extension educators can participate in establishing IDA programs. (SK)

Presents a resiliency model of job training that emphasizes applicant recruitment, assessment, and development. The model can increase program success rates by using psychological assessment and professional development goals of the individual. Discusses the effectiveness of federal jobs training and the need for training versus the ability to use…

Presents the new program of Science Education for Early Adolescence planned by the Science Education Directorate of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to improve science education for early adolescents. Outlines the rationale for this program, the ongoing planning effort, and the probable future plans. (HM)

By combining resources, experience, and expertise, vocational educators and CETA sponsors can better develop a total human development system that can more effectively serve America's young people. The author discusses such topics as the problem of image, training cost-benefit ratios, and the changing employment picture. (CT)

An analysis of five funding competitions sponsored by the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the area of secondary special education and transitional services research found that the projects have not emphasized community-level change to facilitate lasting improvements in youths with disabilities and have not taken a…

Argues the importance of context to the description, theory, and understanding of human behavior because it influences children's primary group relations with family members, teachers, and peers. The article explains that, to be useful for children, social policies must inform the public on how its projected changes will influence socialization…