Describes a first-year composition course that used writing assignments to give students the opportunity to explore the transition from high school to college and their inclusion into campus culture, and to argue for campus policy changes. Offers preliminary data concerning the course's effectiveness in enhancing retention of first-year students.…

A program of hypnotic suggestion, visualization, and relaxation training was used to help improve the teaching self-confidence of 22 university faculty. Comparison of preprogram, postprogram, and six-month follow-up measures of confidence, including both psychometric and anecdotal reports, found the participants' confidence level had been both…

Reports that despite alarming news stories about growing academic dishonesty on college campuses, new research confirms the effectiveness of strategies such as modified honor codes that emphasize student leadership and intensive programming about the importance of academic integrity. Offers 10 specific guidelines for implementing a modified honor…

Evidence is reviewed on the prevalence of sensory and motor abnormalities in autism and the effectiveness of three interventions designed to address such abnormalities: sensory integration therapy, traditional occupational therapy, and auditory integration training. Results of these limited studies provided no firm support for the interventions.…

A review of 41 studies on pharmacological treatments for children with autism and pervasive personality disorder not otherwise specified, found empirical evidence for significant reductions in hyperactive symptoms was strongest for the antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and naltrexone. A theoretical model is proposed for using attentional…

This commentary discusses the use of pharmacological treatments to reduce over activity and hyperactivity in children with autism. While it concedes that some medications, particularly antipsychotics, can effectively reduce over activity, it cautions that the effects of psychotropic medications on inattention remain poorly defined and stresses the…

Describes the development of criteria and guidelines for merit salary increases at the Colorado State University library. Discusses the use of the criteria for performance evaluation and results of a survey of the library faculty regarding their opinions on the overall effectiveness of the criteria. (Author/LRW)

Examined the effectiveness of Baby Think It Over (BTIO), an infant simulation program that seeks to modify attitudes toward teen pregnancy and teen parenting. After experiencing BTIO, teens in the intervention group were more likely to accurately access their personal risk for an unplanned pregnancy than were teens in the comparison group. (Author)

This multivariate panel study examines longer-term effects of a prevention program on trajectories of alcohol misuse and related risk factors. Analyses showed susceptibility, exposure, and alcohol misuse increased mostly linearly across adolescence and covaried positively within and across time, arguing that they exist in a mutually reinforcing…

A survey of 23 establishments found 16 were still very active in using the Makaton peer tutoring method and reported that the method had not only contributed to an increase in communication and the effectiveness of interactions, but had also resulted in increased self-esteem, confidence, and assertiveness. (Contains references.) (CR)

A comparison is made between a new technique (the Handle Technique), Integrated Picture Cueing, and a Word Alone Method. Results show using a new combination of teaching strategies enabled logographic symbols to be used effectively in teaching word recognition to 12 children with severe learning difficulties. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article presents an interview with a mother using a new mobility curriculum with her 4-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy. The physical supports or prompts used in the MOVE curriculum are designed to facilitate the use of mobility skills, not to replace them. An overview of the curriculum is provided. (Contains references.) (CR)

A study investigated the responses of 22 high school students with learning disabilities to an intervention intended to promote self-realization. Activities were embedded within the general English curriculum. Through the intervention, students acquired information that helped them make sense of their school experiences, redefine themselves, and…

This article describes the Good Student Game, a classroom management tool that uses a game format to help students monitor appropriate classroom behavior such as staying seated and working quietly. It provides recommendations for playing the game and results from three classrooms demonstrating the effectiveness of the game. (Contains references.)…

A study assessed the efficacy of a leisure education-based later-life planning model for 10 older adults with mental retardation. Results indicated that the planning-process group had significantly higher life and leisure satisfaction after the planning process than those who did not participate in the planning process. (Contains extensive…