Skills transfer will occur if planners (1) structure expectations (clarify objectives, focus on behavior, keep expectations achievable and consistent, ensure learner ownership); (2) improve skills (keep objectives at the correct level of cognitive domain, focus on applications, integrate training with the natural environment); and (3) establish…

Evaluated six-week support group for six preadolescent siblings of children with mental or physical handicaps. Comparison with five nonparticipants revealed that group had significant effect on participants' perceptions of social support. Parents indicated some improvements in participants' behavior toward siblings. Found no significant…

This review of 12 research reports on modifying attitudes toward persons with hearing impairments found mixed study results and poor study quality but concluded that properly structured contact showed the most promise as an intervention to improve attitudes. (DB)

The benefits perceived by mentors themselves from serving as mentors in preservice preparation of educational administrators were studied for practicing school administrators assisting in the Danforth Foundation Program for the Preparation of School Principals. Mentors enjoyed participating and learning from program participants, as well as the…

Analysis of research reviews, experimental studies, and a metanalysis that included data on early intervention intensity and outcomes revealed that there is little evidence that more intensive programs lead to better outcomes for children with disabilities. Some limited support exists that more intensive programs may be beneficial for…

In this study, functional communication training alone and combined with extinction and/or punishment was evaluated for four clients with severe retardation, behavior problems, and communication deficits. Results showed that the combination of training plus punishment produced the largest and most consistent reductions in target behavior problems.…

This study of 150 mothers of infants and toddlers with disabilities found that participants in professionally organized parent groups reported larger increases in the size and helpfulness of their social support networks than did nonparticipants. Intensity of participation was associated with both positive and negative outcomes for maternal…

Clarifies the meaning of alternative teacher certification (AC), appraises its value relative to other forms of teacher preparation, examines the tension between current initiatives to professionalize teaching and initiatives aimed at more firmly establishing AC programs, and explores how teacher education policies might unfold over the next…

Discusses a four-year program conducted by the World Bank to identify new approaches to training. Conclusions involved improving the effectiveness of programs, strengthening secondary education, increasing private sector training, improving public training, financing, and assessing the impact of training on incomes. (JOW)

Describes the accomplishments and shortcomings of educational reform movements from the early 1960s to the present. Concludes with priorities for curricular and instructional reform in urban schools that emphasize cognitive and developmental learning over fragmented and remedial learning. (CJS)

Six-session systematic assertiveness training program based on social cognitive theory and focusing on peer interactions and social responsibility was presented to 22 sixth graders. Compared to control group, students who received training performed significantly better on test of cognitive acquisition of the information at posttest and six-month…

A group counseling approach was used to enhance the self-concept of 10 congenitally visually impaired adolescents. Group sessions focused on such topics as self-perception, assertiveness, friendship, familial relationships, and independent living skills. Evaluation found significant improvement in self-concept, attitudes toward blindness, and…

This commentary affirms that the methodology proposed in a paper by Richard A. Winett and others (EC 601 539) may be useful in conducting social validity assessments and applying these assessment data to improve behavioral interventions. The study of accurate and valid assessment of consumer satisfaction is encouraged. (JDD)

This commentary on assessing the social validity of behavior-change programs examines which groups should be included in the assessment, whether social validity assessment should be required, and whether new methods are needed. The paper notes that social validation should be an interactive process between researcher and consumer. (JDD)

Describes an orientation program that was developed at Northern Kentucky University to supplement the specific job training provided for student employees in the university libraries. Goals that include an increased knowledge of library operations and strengthened commitment to assigned work are discussed, and the program's effectiveness is…