This study investigates the impact of accessible and inaccessible role models on early adolescents' conceptions of their identities. Accessible role models have regular direct interactions with adolescents, while inaccessible role models like celebrities do not. This investigation was based within the context of a broader educational intervention…

Work hard in school, graduate from a top college, establish a high-paying professional career, enjoy the long-lasting reward of happiness. This is the American Dream--and yet basic questions at the heart of this competitive journey remain unanswered. Does competitive success, even rarified entry into the Ivy League and the top one percent of…

Continuous learning and updating one's competences and abilities have become requirements for staying "up-to-date" and "at the top of one's game". Lifelong learning policy has been persuasive in its emphasis on equal learning opportunities for all: everyone has endless possibilities and capabilities to learn according to…

A 20-year retrospective study, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and published in the July 2015 issue of the "American Journal of Public Health," suggests that kindergarten students who are more inclined to exhibit "social competence" traits--such as sharing, cooperating, or helping other kids--may be more likely to…

A study of the literacy situation in the Asian region served as the basis for a Unesco regional conference. Findings of the study indicate that more than half of the world's illiterate population is in the Asia and Oceania regions. Factors contributing to successful literacy programs are presented. (LRA)

Examined are developmental changes in infants' strategies for using adults instrumentally to achieve goals. Data were derived from longitudinal observations of 1 girl and 1 boy twin individually interacting with 21 somewhat or totally unfamiliar adults at 2- or 3-week intervals from the age of 4 to 15 months, inclusive. Videotapes of interactions…

The case of Mary Ellen, whose maltreatment as a child began the organized response to child abuse in the United States, is reviewed. The paper emphasizes Mary Ellen's rescue from her stepmother, her life after intervention, and her meaningful and productive life as a wife and mother. (JDD)

A qualitative research project with 71 successful adults with learning disabilities found that their individual achievements shared commonalities which can be taught and learned. A model of vocational success is presented which inculcates behaviors that facilitate adult adjustment. The model's focus is on student strengths rather than weaknesses.…

This study examined, as part of a national retrospective study of high achieving women, factors affecting the life-span achievement of 15 Latina women identified as gifted. More than half did not evidence their potential through high grades in school. Participants cited racial or gender bias as a major obstacle but also reported a strong…

Analysis of questionnaires completed by 27 successful Canadian women indicated that these women experienced satisfaction in carrying out research, publishing, and artistic and engineering production, while at the same time maintaining a healthy feeling of equality in a career path. Patterns of career growth indicated inconsistent vertical…