This guide looks at drug abuse in the context of adolescent development and provides a framework for understanding what has been learned about effective adolescent drug treatment over the last decade. The guide, which underscores the need to address developmental issues when treating adolescents, provides concrete ways to assess treatment…

This report provides a comprehensive picture of the history and current state of the Pell Grant program. Using data from various federal sources, notably the Pell Grant program annual reports and the National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the report tracks key indicators of the growth and distribution of Pell Grants over the program's history…

This paper summarizes seven school-reform models demonstrating "strong" and "promising" evidence of effectiveness in improving student achievement according to a rating scale designed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). The intent of this summary is to assist districts and schools in the Pacific region in identifying…

This review of the literature on parental involvement in urban schools is organized into three sections: (1) types of parental involvement; (2) practical involvement activities found in successful urban school programs; and (3) characteristics of successful urban school parental involvement programs. The research reports and surveys reviewed…

In 1993, the Connecticut State Department of Education received federal support for the activities of nine existing Family Resource Centers (FRC) and for funding new FRCs. The FRCs were based on the premise that many childhood and adolescent problems can be prevented by strengthening effective family management practices and establishing a…

Given the strong interest in school-based mentoring programs, Public/Private Ventures visited two exemplary mentoring programs chosen by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA). One program was in Green County, Oklahoma, and the other in Jacksonville, Florida. Researchers talked with parents, teachers, children, and mentors to learn more…

A description of an experiment in early intervention designed to promote learning in deprived children. Postprogram tests shed light on the nature of gains. (ST)

A breastfeeding education program for low income women with a grade/high school education was developed. Reported are the effects of the program on the knowledge, attitudes, and infant feeding practices of a sample of pregnant women (N=44). Program consisted of five pamphlets mailed to subjects' homes over a five-week period. (JN)

Describes the history, philosophy, organization, referral process, and evaluation of ten secondary school programs that offered inschool alternatives to suspension. Suggests that program effectiveness was partly determined by: (1) administrators' acceptance of the program; (2) efficiency of the referral process; (3) program linkages with other…

Discusses the School Improvement Project of the New York City public schools. Lists five factors identified by the Project as determinants of student academic success and outlines the job responsibilities of the school Project liaison person. (FL)

An earlier article (not included in this journal) described the how's and why's of preselection of interviewees at Penn State. In this article, the authors discuss their observations when preselection was used as an integral part of the on-campus interviewing. (Author)

Describes a program intended to improve the school attendance of truant students, called the Mentoring and Tutoring Help (MATH) program. Discusses the importance of mentors and their roles in the MATH program, and presents the 18 most critical organizational steps for truancy intervention in the program. (SR)

Describes the reading program at Ganado Primary School (selected as exemplary at the 1993 annual International Reading Association convention), part of a schoolwide literate environment that encourages children to become self-actualizing and self-assured learners. (SR)

Describes an innovative family literacy program, in which adults come to school for workshops in children's literature and reading comprehension. Discusses its importance to parents, teachers, and students; the role of staff; operation and management; and the evidence of the success of the project. (PRA)