Analysis of variance revealed that listening to excerpts from children's stories about Mexican Americans resulted in an inconsistent, though positive, change in ethnic attitudes, and no significant change in self-concept or reading interest scores among a sample of 220 sixth-grade children. (MJB)

This study focuses on the ways in which various methods of instruction affect elementary school children's political attitudes and knowledge toward the regime level--values (goals and principles), norms, and structure of authority--of the political system. (MJB)

Reviews literature regarding factors associated with children's initiation into smoking and examines efficacy of health education programs in preventing smoking in children. Though using peer leaders as health educators has been successful, parent-implemented health prevention programs aiming at children at younger ages may be more effective in…

Describes an assertiveness training model that has been offered to parents of preschool children at a community-based parenting center. The five sessions of the training are briefly discussed and eight essential components of the program are identified: (1) hierarchical practice; (2) behavior rehearsal; (3) coaching; (4) modeling; (5)…

Seventh grade students in two rural North Carolina school systems were subjects for a program designed to reduce health risks associated with alcohol and tobacco use. The results were that although knowledge increased, attitudes toward alcohol did not change, and attitudes toward smoking eroded. (Author/DF)

Comments on a previous paper concerning Early Childhood Special Education in the year 2000 include the endorsement of a forecast that a new type of research will emerge for intervention procedures. Suggested is the progressive case study approach. (DB)

The design and rationale for the University of South Carolina's required credit-bearing freshman orientation course are described, and ways in which the course offering could be made better are discussed. (MSE)

There are moral and economic reasons for addressing the issue of minority participation and achievement in higher education. Many programs have proven effective, but state and institutional leaders now need to take available knowledge and use it systematically in color-free strategies to make higher education more productive for all students. (MSE)

The authors review the elements of traditional student teacher internship programs that undermine the students' development of teaching skills. Communication among the supervising and cooperating teachers and the student teacher must be effective. Suggestions for establishing a successful relationship are given. (JL)

Presents a study that examined how college supervisors and student-intern teachers perceived 32 components of "help" during a supervised teaching process. Attempting to determine how supervisors facilitate student progress in teaching secondary social studies, the study identified components of help which were regarded as significant by each…

Comparative data are relatively easy to obtain, but effective use of the information requires careful planning and may produce unanticipated results. (MSE)

Faculty-led advising seminars for advisees are recommended as a way to increase the effectiveness of the academic advising system. Through the seminars, the advising function would be integrated into the course-credit system and provide students with opportunities to systematically reflect on the nature of higher education. (Author/MSE)

This section offers eight papers presented at a symposium on the quality of comprehensive school health programs. Topics discussed include (1) building community support; (2) overcoming barriers; (3) teacher initiatives; (4) inservice education; (4) state leadership; and (5) federal support. (CB)

A structured academic support group for 21 high ability but underachieving undergraduate students resulted in improved study and self management skills, peer support, improvements in student grade point averages, and improved self concept scores. (Author/DB)

Reports on a survey of 1,244 Georgians including secondary and postsecondary vocational students, secondary nonvocational students, parents, guidance counselors, and employers. Results indicate general agreement that vocational education in the state of Georgia is experiencing success. Lowest scores, however, came from employers. (CH)