A study was conducted to determine if changes in a student's writing and speaking skills over the period of a semester could be measured reliably and to measure what changes, if any, occur in these skills over this period. A pretest-posttest design employing the speech and writing portions of ACT's College Outcome Measures Project was used to…

Each of four segments (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) in the process for evaluating training programs is analyzed in terms of evidence versus proof of program effectiveness. (EM)

A dropout prevention program is described which incorporates direct involvement of parents in training; an advisory committee made up of employers, parents, students, and staff; and a subcontract which allowed continuation of the program throughout the summer. The effectiveness of the program is discussed. (CT)

The Daily Physical Education Program was designed to incorporate fitness activities and skill development into the regular school curriculum in Australia. This program has produced measurable results in fitness, skill, and social development without affecting academic performance. (DF)

Describes a training program designed to utilize talent and increase group communication. (RK)

Reviews 19 research studies on the Minnesota Couple Communication Program (CCP) which indicates an immediate positive effect on communication behavior and relationship satisfaction. Found CCP does not alter reported levels of self-disclosure or self-esteem. Positive changes persisted in some studies, but evidence of the durability of effects is…

Pre, post, and follow-up assessments showed that two tutoring programs (fantasy play tutoring and skill tutoring) had equal impact on the development of nursery school children's cognitive and linguistic development abilities. However, fantasy play tutoring showed a greater potential for maintaining or increasing social participation. (Author/MP)

This study measured the effectiveness of Structured Learning Training (SLT) for teaching confrontation skills to trainees varying in conceptual development. Both a self-instruction approach and a standard implementation of SLT were effective for teaching confrontation skills. Self-instruction SLT was more effective with high CL trainees than with…

A study involving four caregivers evaluated the effectiveness of a systematic instructional procedure known as constant time delay (CTD) in teaching caregivers how to use CTD to teach their adolescent or adult children, siblings, or clients with disabilities, response chain skills. Results found the procedure to be effective. (CR)

Administered pre- and postmeasures to 12 participants in 8-session group intervention program designed to teach coping skills to recently separated and divorced adults and to 12 waiting-list controls. Results indicated that intervention promoted reduced depression and anxiety, greater ability to live in present, greater independence, more…

Twenty-one students with autism, ages 6-20, were taught to use facilitated communication to unlock their ideas and communicate through typing. Facilitated communication involves physical and emotional support for typing or pointing at letters, helping students maintain focus, and fading physical support. Subjects revealed unexpected literacy and…

Includes "Outdoor Training: Revolution or Fad?" (Wagner, Baldwin, Roland); "Getting the Most out of Outdoor Training" (Buller, Cragun, McEvoy); and "Outdoor Training Companies" (a directory of more than 100 firms). (JOW)

Social skill deficits have become a defining characteristic of students with specific learning disability (SLD). Attempts have been made to enhance social functioning through structured training approaches. The effectiveness of these efforts was evaluated in a quantitative research synthesis (meta-analysis), which revealed a "small" effect with…

The topic of teacher credentials and student performance is revisited in an international setting using the TIMSS-99 data. The lack of consistent positive link between credentials and performance can be explained via three routes: measurement problem of ''teacher quality'' input, measurement problem of ''student outcomes'', and the production…

This document presents the final report of the "As Families Grow Older" project, a continuing education program for aging network service providers and family members in 23 counties throughout New Mexico which was designed to promote family well-being. It describes how the project, which was in operation from April 1986 through January 1987,…