Data in this study was gathered to determine which, if either, strategy of teacher education was more effective--conventional teaching methods or modules based on competency based teacher education theory. In addition, the study attempted to determine preservice teacher attitudes toward competency based teacher education (CBTE). The method used…

Although efforts to keep talented students within the state, primarily by offering merit scholarships, are politically popular, state officials are not sure they will be effective. (MSE)

A retrospective study compared hours spent by a schizophrenic adolescent in "time out" before and after initiation of treatment. The study evaluated the effects of sensory integrative treatment on the ability to handle anger and frustration. Results demonstrate the utility of statistical analysis versus visual comparison to validate effectiveness…

Reports on a study designed to determine the effectiveness of two video programs with an audience of varied ages, grade levels, and developmental levels. Indicates that a significant difference was found between concrete, transitional, and formal operational students on pretest scores and developmental levels and results on the posttest. (RT)

A two-year study of students' and physicians' rejecting behaviors during medical interviews found that participation in a workshop on supporting behaviors resulted in a long-term decrease in or abolishment of those behaviors. (MSE)

Discusses the need for evaluating the efficiency of early childhood education programs. Presents a model of educational productivity that specifies nine chief factors which require optimization to increase affective, behavioral, and cognitive learning. (Author/RWB)

The traditional orientation of liberal arts colleges toward teaching continues to make them major contributors to teacher education. The commitment these colleges make to teacher education and the governance structure that helps them devise and carry out effective programs argues strongly for supporting teacher education in liberal arts colleges.…

Research suggests that special tests of reasoning ability are superfluous. Reading comprehension and algebra scores on common aptitude and achievement tests are highly correlated with scores on several reasoning tests. Furthermore, three programs in reasoning skills have been shown to improve reading comprehension scores in various settings. (MCG)

The influence of an intensive two-day orientation to college on freshman voluntary persistence and withdrawal decisions was estimated with an explanatory causal model. Results suggest the major influence of orientation on persistence is indirect, transmitted through positive effects on student social integration and commitment to the institution.…

After an overview of distance education is presented, models and case summaries in formal and nonformal education are described. The evaluation of distance education is discussed in terms of effectiveness, cost, and management. Finally, new directions for evaluation and policy formation are outlined.

A meta-analysis of inservice teacher education research determines the significance of the following factors for learning effectiveness: training objectives, training duration, training group characteristics, location and scheduling, sponsorship, participant incentives, structure, and instructional technique. Suggestions to help staff developers…

Five individual-level independent variables--life stage (age), social status, health, informal social support, and stress--were measured to assess the dependent variable, use of social services. Only the existence of informal social support proved significant, indicating a need for informal networks and educational programs, as well as for…

A survey of parents in urban and rural school districts showed a strong belief in the importance of elementary school social studies and more support for innovations such as the curriculum guidelines of the National Council for the Social Studies than publicity about demands to return to basics would suggest. (IS)

In October 2002, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) contracted with Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. (MRP) to help identify issues pertinent to the evaluation of Title I and to propose feasible evaluation design strategies. This design effort took its lead from two sources: (1) the Title I Independent Review Panel (IRP); and (2) a more…

The purpose of the research study was to investigate the leisure behavior, social avoidance and distress, social self-efficacy, life satisfaction, global function, and negative symptoms of 26 individuals with chronic mental illnesses who reside in group homes. The study used a treatment group and a control group design to evaluate the…