The experiences of Millie Almy, detailed in an oral history, tell the story of landmarks in nursery school education in the 1930s and 1940s. The issues of program quality, teacher qualifications and certification, and parent involvement that concerned program administrators then continue to be central today. (SLD)

Anonymous questionnaires administered to 1283 middle school/high school students and 930 college students revealed that most of these students viewed all types of alcohol intervention programs as somewhat effective in reducing alcohol abuse among youth. Analyses revealed that drinking motivations and behavior produced a significant effect on the…

A sample of 18 focus groups (subject ages 15-24) revealed young people's clear opinions on what constitutes an effective drinking and driving education program. Such programs should be student-centered, conducted in small group settings, emphasize real-life situations, and be delivered by people affected by drinking and driving. (RJM)

Tested the psychometric properties of an instrument used to assess adolescents' empowerment concerning alcohol. Empowerment was significantly and inversely associated with alcohol use after controlling for peer influence and self-efficacy. Suggests that psychological empowerment is theoretically meaningful and is significantly associated with…

This study examined the effects of contact, books, and discussions on attitudes of kindergarten-age children (N=46) toward people with disabilities. At posttest, significant gains in acceptance were found only in a high-contact group who participated in a program designed to promote acceptance through storytime at school and home, structured play,…

In a Fort Collins, Colorado, school district, parents whose children attend alternative schools choose schools for all the right reasons. Unfortunately, only a limited segment of parents exercises a choice. Teachers say alternative schools skim off the most motivated parents and students, leaving the problem children behind. These survey results…

Four boys and 4 girls (ages 13-17) with learning disabilities were interviewed upon completion of psychodynamic group therapy to obtain their perspectives of the group. Results indicate that the participants regarded the therapy as beneficial. The phenomenon of "mutual recognition" led to enhanced self-esteem and ability to relate to peers. (CR)

Describes a study that used Unemployment Insurance/Social Security Insurance wage data to examine the effects of participation in educational programs at a multicultural, inner city community college. Reports impressive gains in earnings for economically disadvantaged students who completed associate degrees (257%) and for associate degree…

This article reviews evidence regarding the role of speech-generating devices (SGDs) and talking word processing software in supporting independent spelling in children with autism. Two studies support the importance of assessing the relative benefits of feedback modes for individual learners with autism rather than assuming SGDs should supply…

Findings from a study of teachers' views of the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in England and Wales as a mechanism for improving secondary schools. Examines how teachers perceive the inspection process, whether Ofsted's process generates changes, and whether Ofsted's priorities agree with the school's. (Contains 44 references.) (WFA)

Describes how the five programs in this special section are scaffolding teachers' change efforts through the use of three approaches: collaboration, modeling, and reflection. Discusses similarities and differences among the five projects, including program effectiveness, and offers suggestions for future research. (Author/LRW)

Assessed the effectiveness of a program designed to enhance practicing teachers' beliefs, skills, and strategies regarding parent involvement. Results of an initial test of the program in two U.S. public schools serving predominantly high risk students indicated that participation increased teachers' self-efficacy and enhanced their beliefs about…

This study of four students (ages 10-13) with mental retardation evaluated a combination audio/visual self-prompting system with an electronic, augmentative communication device that uses picture overlays and recorded speech to increase independent task completion. Results indicated a substantial difference in performance when the self-prompting…

Presents results from a study investigating the effects of professional training on teachers' use of observations to assess elementary students. Describes the training program and its focus on professional empowerment, strategy development for observation-based assessment, and learning the value of peer support. Reports that participants'…

Discusses issues in implementing and evaluating an interdisciplinary curriculum. An integrated approach is time-intensive and difficult to evaluate, and requires changing teacher practices and beliefs. (Contains seven references.) (LMI)