The efficacy of training learning disabled (LD) adolescents in social and problem-solving skills was evaluated. While all three groups of adolescents showed increased skill levels following training, LD adolescents demonstrated only a slight gain when compared to non-LD and court adjudicated youths on the cognitive problem-solving skill.…

Assesses the effectiveness of the juvenile justice system in preventing delinquency and rehabilitating delinquents. The six articles in this special issue also discuss status offenders and gender issues, examine the Chicago Area Project, and discuss the future of juvenile justice policy and research. (JAC)

Eight learning disabled children participated in an integrated program of motor and cognitive tasks over a six-month period. Compared to eight control subjects, the treated group showed greater improvement on tests of motor and cognitive skills. A physical activity program can influence basic cognitive as well as motor skills. (Author/RD)

The effectiveness of two weight loss programs with 71 overweight junior high school students is compared. One program featured multicomponent behavior modification techniques and significant professional input, and the other emphasized self regulation in a simpler exercise and nutrition education format. The two programs attained comparable…

Replicated a study of boys with conduct problems using a parent-mediated treatment. Parents were trained to alter deviant behavior by following procedures derived from social learning theory. Child behavior showed significant change through termination as measured by parental reports. Follow-up data showed improvements were maintained through one…

A seminar is described that was designed to improve the interpersonal skills of psychiatric residents at New York State Psychiatric Institute. Participating residents gained a new perspective on the troubled individuals with whom they interact by role-playing psychiatric patients. Participant reactions and outcomes of the seminar are discussed.…

Most of the 84 schools responding to the survey offered multicultural education. Programs were similar in content and objectives, but predominantly Black or Hispanic schools typically offered courses on their cultures alone. Few supported their claims of success with formal evaluation. (CP)

The effects of an individualized mastery instructional system similar to the Keller plan was compared with a conventional lecture-discussion-recitation system in mathematics courses. In general, the superiority of achievement and attitude outcomes claimed for the Keller plan in many reports was not observed in this study. (Author/RL)

To help State University of New York at Buffalo faculty prepare for new science courses, summer workshops allowed faculty to try new material and methods on 16 students hired as professional critics. Students and faculty praised the experience. It was concluded that students should be included in faculty development workshops as critics and…

A survey of 164 Pennsylvania general and special education teachers and 1,430 elementary educators nationwide examined their attitudes concerning supports needed for the successful inclusion of students with disabilities. Teachers perceived a need for training, help from personnel outside the classroom, and in-class help such as paraprofessionals.…

A group of foreign graduate students (n=29) who participated in a study skills and cultural orientation program at a British university found that in comparison with a group not participating (n=26), and contrary to expectation, participating students had more homesickness and psychological difficulties. The findings cast doubt on the common view…

The beliefs that underpin traditional governance in higher education no longer fit the reality of higher education leadership. Higher education must abandon the quest for the perfect governance structure and attend to the nature of effective governance. Focusing on autonomy and control issues distracts from solving problems of access,…

Questioned Ontario college students and administrators regarding their opinions on standards of practice for postsecondary special needs programs. Respondents indicated strong support for most suggested practices. Fewer administrators, however, supported practices that required enhanced funding, staffing, and resources, and fewer students…

A study investigated the people and actions related to two successful gifted advocacy events that included state legislative changes. Five ingredients of success represented the key characteristics common to the leaders in each advocacy group: passion, preparation, inspiration, perseverance, and the ability to take advantage of serendipity.…

Reflects on research that showed that, as reading ability of students without disabilities increased in schools engaged in "effective schools" reforms, the reading ability of students with disabilities decreased. Concerns are raised that resources previously devoted to special education programs may serve to infuse general school…