Evaluates drug abuse prevention programs, sex education programs, and programs to change gender stereotypes in schools using theoretical framework of critical sociology of education. Notes that all types of programs had limited effectiveness. Concludes that schools appear unable to change behaviors prevalent in culture because both students and…

The study compared the effects of an intensive apprenticeship training experience provided to two consulting teachers with the standard training provided six consulting teachers. Significant differences were found in favor of the intensively trained teachers in all aspects of instructional improvement. (Author/DB)

Ratings of early intervention services by 91 Massachusetts and New Hampshire mothers and fathers of young children with disabilities indicated the services' high level of helpfulness. Mothers and fathers differed in their ratings, and the weighting of perceived benefits varied by child and family characteristics. (Author/JDD)

This pilot study with eight beginning teachers examined the value of a mentorship program to assist novice special education teachers during their induction year. Results indicated that (1) perceptions of important mentor characteristics changed with training; (2) all novices valued having a mentor; and (3) most mentor-novice pairs met regularly.…

A survey was conducted of 77 U.S. and Canadian teacher preparation programs in education of hearing-impaired students. Findings indicated that most programs train teachers to work in self-contained settings and that most programs are inadequate for preparing teachers of secondary-level hearing-impaired students. (DB)

Seventeen college undergraduates, possessing either basic or consolidated formal operations, received eight weeks of interpersonal skills training and pre- and posttraining assessments of social perspective taking and moral reasoning. Gains in moral reasoning were related to subjects' possessing prerequisite cognitive and perspective-taking…

The effects of independent living training programs for 1,498 people with developmental disabilities were examined. After seven years, individuals who had received greater amounts of independent living services and improved/maintained their independent living skills were more likely to still live independently. There was no relationship between…

To increase the number of German employees undergoing rehabilitation rather than retiring early because of medical disabilities, a screening process was developed whereby the pension insurance institutions responsible for administering medical rehabilitation measures would identify persons in need of rehabilitation and urge them to take part. An…

A method used in France to measure a university program's effectiveness at bringing students to the degree level is described. The method uses mathematical formulas to calculate indicators of success for a given cohort, which can then be compared for various programs. (MSE)

A study of 80 eighth grade students investigated whether incorporation of a African-American music program would have special benefits for African-American students, music-experienced students, or high-musical-ability students. African-American students, taught material consistent with their heritage, performed better than whites. It is concluded…

This study evaluated child sexual abuse statistics since introduction of a child sexual abuse program in 1985 in Shelby County, Tennessee. Findings suggest a highly fluctuating validation rate, higher validation rates for girls than boys, possible underreporting of male victims, and 78 percent of the perpetrators being known to their victims.…

This article describes an intervention in which three parents were taught to use facilitative strategies when interacting with their children with profound mental retardation. The intervention consisted of reinforcing appropriate parent behavior as it was being observed by them on prerecorded videotapes. Facilitative strategies included the use of…

Benchmark, a private school for students ages 5-15 in Media, Pennsylvania, enrolls bright underachievers with reading problems in small classes. The school brings educational research into the classroom via weekly seminars on current research, staff research projects, and collaboration with outside scholars. The school's record indicates it…

Investigated effects of two small group methods (print or video presentation) of teaching communication skills to eleventh grade students (n=96). Found no overall significant difference between two teaching methods. Significant effects were noted for sex but not for extroversion/introversion. Findings support effectiveness of role-play to teach…

Of 677 dentists offered continuing dental education, 78 percent selected either formal courses, mailed instructional materials and videotape, or materials only. Followup showed that selection of format paralleled perceived need for education. Course participants made greatest learning gains, followed by the materials/videotape group. (SK)