Surveyed how children or parents derived benefits from early childhood intervention programs for low-income families. Found that such programs provide appropriate and stimulating learning environments for young children and support the roles of parents. Participants have higher academic achievement and parents made positive changes in their own…

Recognizing staff development's importance, the Austin (Texas) Independent School District implemented an ambitious districtwide program that provides all K-8 teachers with training to implement mathematics standards. An evaluation found that improved math instruction was influenced by school culture, principal support, and teacher collaboration.…

Five studies that measure abstinence-only programs' effects found no significant evidence that these programs help delay onset of intercourse. Evaluations of 30 abstinence-plus programs for sexuality and HIV education show these programs do not increase adolescent sexual intercourse. Common curriculum characteristics are outlined. (Contains 18…

Discusses immigrants, ethnic minorities, and questions of citizenship in Europe, the role of the city in addressing local citizenship and participation, and the policies and institutions intended to foster participation. Describes the project entitled "Multicultural Policies and Modes of Citizenship in European Cities." (CMK)

This commentary discusses study results that indicate the nonselective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) clomipramine is more efficacious than the relatively selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor desipramine and placebo in treating repetitive or ritualized behaviors in children with autism. The need for concurrent genetic and biochemical…

Examines how evaluation by the Japanese University Accreditation Association (JUAA) can provide incentive to improve university governance, including research, education, management, staff development, curriculum, and admission policies. The underlying concept of university evaluation in Japan is a combination of self-monitoring and external…

A study evaluated teaching a technique for self-control to three adults with developmental disabilities. Concurrent fixed-duration/progressive-duration reinforcement schedules were introduced in which both smaller and larger reinforcers were available immediately. When progressively increasing delays were introduced for the larger reinforcer,…

As a school reform effort, the New York City Public Broadcasting Station Thirteen/WNET, Texaco Inc., and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's National Teacher Training Institute for Math, Science and Technology has completed five years of operation, during which thousands of teachers received training at sites across the country. Follow-up…

Examines factors influencing the reading engagement of 24 struggling, resistant readers in grade 3 through 5 who were tutored by university graduate and undergraduate students. Notes that all students made great strides in reading achievement and in voluntary reading motivation. Finds the most salient factor in increasing reading motivation was…

Examined sophomore-year grades and retention of a group of African-American engineering students to determine if positive freshman-year effects of participation in a minority academic support program persisted. Found that although grades diminished with time, positive effects on retention remained. (EV)

Fourteen studies were reviewed to examine the utility, acceptability, and practicality of functional behavioral assessment (FBA) conducted with students with high-incidence behavior problems in school settings. Results indicate FBA was effective, that FBA could be performed in typical school environments, and that FBA produced socially valid…

A study examined the extent to which receipt of financial aid influences the price level of the college or university attended, after controlling for academic ability, educational aspiration, socioeconomic status, distance from home, gender, and race. Data were drawn from a follow-up to the Beginning Postsecondary Student Survey of 1989-90…

Locates school choice's theoretical underpinnings in market theory and communitarianism. Explains contributions of magnet schools, charter schools, and voucher systems to the choice movement. Summarizes preliminary findings for voucher plans, highlighting minority participation, family and teacher satisfaction, student mobility, and college…

Investigated the effects of early participation in the Chicago Child-Parent Center and Expansion Program on school dropout. Comparison of low-income children from program sites and comparison sites indicates that preschool participation relates to reduction in dropout rate. Participation for 5 or 6 years relates to reduction in early school…

A study assessed effectiveness of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) education courses required in Florida of persons engaged in professions requiring licensure. Results indicate few differences in knowledge or attitudes before and after the course. In general, course participants had good knowledge of…