Evaluated the effectiveness of a tobacco intervention on preadolescents' tobacco use and attitudes. Surveys of students in intervention and non-intervention schools indicated that though not statistically significant, the number of smokers at the intervention school decreased from 43.2 to 31.1 percent after the intervention. Intervention students…

The impact of an intervention program on hearing aid functioning and maintenance was evaluated using 29 adolescents who wore hearing aids and 7 of their teachers. The number of functioning hearing aids increased significantly following the 6-week intervention and continued to increase even after intervention ended. (Contains references.)…

A study was conducted of nine male and three female adolescents with autism to find the collateral behavioral and social interaction effects of using facilitated communication. The facilitated communication intervention appeared to have no influence on the subjects' behavior and social interactions. (CR)

A case study of a 26-year-old woman with severe mental retardation, who was incontinent during each of the three scheduled breaktimes in a sheltered workshop, found that the problem was completely eliminated by providing her with attention while she helped a staff member complete routine breaktime activities. (Author/CR)

Four researchers (Gersten, Vaughn, Jenkins, and Downing) respond to a review in the same issue by Hunt and Goetz entitled "Research on Inclusive Educational Programs, Practices, and Outcomes for Students with Severe Disabilities." Respondents generally support the review, but raise concerns about placement of students with severe disabilities…

A survey was conducted across five educational authorities in Britain concerning the new Code of Practice's influence on special education. It found marked variations in rates of statementing (identification of special needs), proportion of statemented pupils in mainstream schools, and funding arrangements for special needs. Findings have…

Discusses "Earning by Learning," a program designed to increase reading attitudes of academically at-risk children by combining two strong motivational factors: cash rewards and adult attention/approval. Tests the program's success with second and third graders at a site in Georgia. Finds overall success in frequent book reading,…

Analysis of research articles and editorials from national newspapers and news magazines published during 1984-94 revealed that although research reported favorably on bilingual education, most newspaper articles took positions against bilingual education. Opinion writers did not base their positions on research, but rather on government reports,…

This article responds to critiques of "Natural Supports in the Workplace: The Jury Is Still Out" (Test and Wood) by focusing on what was on trial, the need to define natural supports, the interaction between policy and practice, and implications of natural supports on personnel preparation. (CR)

A multi-site, randomized evaluation of the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program with 665 families found the effects of the program on parenting and child development outcomes were generally small. More consistent positive effects were noted for very low-income parents and their children relative to more moderate-income parents. (Contains references.)…

Examines the benefits of the Accelerated Reader program on English-as-a-second-language fourth and fifth grade students in a school in rural West North Carolina. Notes that anecdotal records provided evidence of improvement in students' reading behaviors and attitudes toward reading. Shows that while there was only a moderate overall increase in…

This study evaluated a program to teach social skills to children and adolescents using a cognitive behavioral approach in small groups that met weekly. One group of seven children and a parallel parents' group are described. Evaluation indicated improved social functioning for most children. The importance of liaison with parents and teachers in…

The effectiveness of a mentoring program for 53 at-risk college students was investigated. The results indicated that the mentoring intervention had a positive impact on retention and grade point averages for this student cohort. (EV)

Determines if Accelerated Reader (AR) is beneficial to the reading development of young emergent readers' comprehension. Considers if AR will improve young struggling readers' comprehension skills and attitudes to improve so that they can more easily become true independent readers. Concludes that AR did contribute to children's reading…

A study evaluated a comprehensive school-wide program based on an effective behavioral support approach for preventing disruptive behaviors implemented in seven elementary schools. The program included a school-wide discipline program, tutoring, conflict resolution, and functional behavioral intervention plans. Schools showed positive effects on…