This book turns important research and theory into essential, easy-to-follow guidelines for new parents and child care providers to help them focus on the critical first 3 years of life to build a strong foundation for the future. All the key areas of child development are covered, including self-esteem, and cognitive, motor and social…

This action research project implemented an intervention program to increase prosocial skills among 3- to 5-year-olds in at-risk prekindergarten classrooms. Participating were 65 students from 2 prekindergarten classrooms in 2 schools. Evidence of problems in social skills was gathered through anecdotal records and observational checklists…

A 2-year project was undertaken to develop, test, and distribute a video-based program to train low-income parents in engaging their 3- to 5-year-old children in highly motivating play techniques in order to enhance children's cognitive, social and motor skills for school readiness. An evaluation was conducted of the Year One phase of the training…

This report presents the 1998 statistical findings of the annual survey to determine the attitudes of national high school student leaders. Questionnaires were completed by 3,123 high school juniors and seniors, all of whom were selected for recognition in "Who's Who among American High School Students." In addition to demographic…

During the 1990s, an increasing number of states have become interested in social indicators as basic tools of governance. Many states have been working aggressively to develop programs and initiatives that make systematic use of social indicators, and to develop the underlying data system to measure and track such indicators. This report reviews…

This thesis presents research that compares the ways students and lecturers of the Lisbon Polytechnic Institute (IPL) perceive and value effectiveness and creativity in teaching. Creativity can be defined in several ways; in this context, it is related to the effectiveness of a teacher. The document discusses results in light of the IPL's goals of…

Noting that parent involvement in their children's education is a crucial contributor to children's achievement, this study investigated the relations among family factors, parental involvement in children's learning activities within and outside of Head Start, and children's outcomes related to literacy, numeracy, social skills, and behavior…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for promoting student responsibility in order to increase the necessary skills and dispositions needed for improved academic and interpersonal behavior. The targeted population consisted of fifth-grade students in a regular education program, and high school students classified as…

This paper describes the development of a measure of ethnic identity among American Indian adolescents. Data were collected in nine high schools in four American Indian communities (N=1,592). The self-report survey included eight ethnic identity questions, seven items about social competencies, eight items on personal mastery and locus of control,…

The 1930 White House Conference revealed the fact that approximately 22 out of every 100 children in the United States need special attention either in the form of medical and surgical treatment, professional supervision of feeding and exercise, or instruction under the direction of highly specialized teachers. It was revealed at that conference…

"Tackling Drugs in Scotland: Action in Partnership" (1999) set out a national strategy for all government agencies in response to public concern at the increasing incidence and negative consequences of drug misuse. Targets and monitoring arrangements were publicised to encourage co-ordinated action against drug misuse. By the end of…

This is Volume 2 of the Report of the Commissioner of Education for the Year 1891-'92, containing Parts 2 and 3. Part 2 covers the topics: (1) Name Register; (2) City School Systems; (3) Secondary Schools; (4) Universities and Colleges; (5) Colleges for Women; (6) The Place of University Extension in American Education; (7) The Relation of the…

Knowledge and skills needed by lay participants in community development (CD) were proposed by 14 consultants around 10 topical areas. One hundred knowledge and skills statements resulted. The importance of these statements was judged by CD youth leaders and adult specialists. Judgments were factor analyzed, and nine factors emerged. (Author/SSH)

In an urban magnet middle school serving mostly minority, poor, and low achieving students, the presence of high levels of interracial interaction and positive student-teacher relationships was attributed to the school's curricular, academic reward, and classroom activity structures, and to a faculty subculture that encouraged teachers to foster…

Describes environmental modification, social work's response to the practical needs of clients, which emphasizes "doing for" clients and thus may encourage their dependence on the practitioner. Suggests that helping clients to develop their own skills to modify their environment can promote independence while meeting clients' tangible needs.…