A quality control model is proposed to facilitate development of effective instructional programs. The theories of R. M. Gagne and of M. D. Merrill provide the foundations for a theory of sequencing behavior into a hierarchical order in order to improve the learning potential of an instructional program. The initial step in the procedural model is…

A study was conducted to investigate certain characteristics of respondents who renovated furniture during a Washington County educational television 19-program series on chair renovation, who had previously renovated furniture, and who planned to renovate a chair following the series, and to compare them with those respondents who had not. Data…

Twenty-one trainable mentally handicapped students (age range of 126-247 months) at two schools completed 2 years of reading instruction using a sight method of learning. (Author/MH)

Improvements in transfer and retention of skills learned in parent education programs were hypothesized to occur if the learning process provided for the "discovery of personal meaning". Data from 28 parents revealed that parents in the personal meaning approach demonstrated more effective learning and retention. Few changes in attitude…

Discusses current issues in measuring library effectiveness, including rapid technological changes and increasing obsolescence in librarians' competencies; increased pressure for accountability; tools to help libraries become what they determine they should be rather than conforming to national standards; and how to determine the validity and…

The reading process and the history of teaching reading to Braille, print, and aural readers are reviewed. Variables in effective reading instruction programs for visually impaired children include teaching methods, assessment methods, qualities and competencies of teachers, other deficits of visually impaired students that exacerbate reading…

Assessed impact of Project DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) on knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported behavior of seventh graders who received DARE curriculum in sixth grade. Compared to controls, DARE students reported significantly lower use of alcohol, cigarettes, and other drugs. Findings were especially strong for boys. (Author/NB)

Examines theoretical and practical deficiencies in how curricular objectives are selected for functional, competency based approaches to English as a second language instruction. Issues are illustrated through an analysis of the functional curricula of the United States Refugee Processing Centers. (Author/CB)

Describes a study to determine whether 14 reading improvement students and their instructor shared a common view of the students' reading deficiences and whether instruction was directed toward the student- and instructor-perceived deficiencies. Reveals that instruction did not address the needs perceived by the teacher or the students. (DMM)

Investigates the manifestations and socialization processes of only and sibling children for improved implementing of the Chinese one-child family program planning. (HOD)

Traces the effects on young people through age 15 of three well-implemented preschool curriculum models--the High/Scope model, the Distar model, and a model in the nursery school tradition. (HOD)

Researchers need to determine the conditions necessary for learning effectively from and the type of information best presented by new technologies, how electronic learning differs from print learning, what conditions foster successful teaching with new technologies, how lives will be changed, and what public policy issues are likely to arise. (RM)

Drawing from a review of the literature and a study of 6,000 urban community college students, assesses whether students in college reading and writing courses achieve ability gains in these areas and whether their abilities improve as students advance through the curriculum. (DMM)

Hypothesizes that the amount of verbal interaction with caregivers would be a salient index of center quality, in that it would be a particularly important determinant of language skill. Three sets of measures were used to assess quality of the day care environment: children's language development, family background, and home…

Investing in children reduces poverty and strengthens the nation's economy. But how does one determine which investments in children yield the greatest benefits over the long term? In this paper, Voices for America's Children examines the effectiveness of select education and intervention programs that demonstrate proven results and desirable…