The extent to which selected perceptions, experiences, and values are associated with academic performance for a sample of Black students at a large, predominantly White university is examined in a study done at the University of Maryland. Further studies of influences on academic performance in college are needed. (MLW)

Multiple regression analysis of 11 home factors and 13 school factors indicated that home accounted for 8.8 percent of the total variance in achievement of sixth grade Indonesian pupils, while school accounted for 6.2 percent. Classroom climate, interpreted as an unmeasured effect of good teaching, accounted for 46 percent of the variance. (CP)

Analyzes first-year retention rates for the 16 colleges of the South Carolina Technical College System, focusing on first-time freshmen enrolling full-time during the fall 1990 and 1991 semesters. Reveals that regional employment and the ratio of instructional and support expenditures per student to regional income per job are the most predictive…

This commentary discusses the research article "Gender Differences in Abused Children with and without Disabilities" (Sobsey and others) that follows, which found that children with disabilities are at greater risk for being maltreated, that boys are more frequently abused, and that boys with disabilities are sexually abused more frequently than…

The case files of 1,834 abused children found more boys were physically abused and neglected, but more girls were sexually abused. Boys with disabilities were overrepresented in all abuse categories. Although 52% of abused children without disabilities were girls, 65% of abused children with disabilities were boys. (Author/CR)

Reports a study of the production of Thai vowels, consonants, and tones by native English speakers using two forms of evaluation: acoustic measurements and auditory evaluation by native Thai-speaking listeners. The study focused on the differences in acoustic parameters between the two groups and the acoustic parameter influencing native…

A study investigating the effects of a two-week early clinical experience for fifth-year pharmacy students on concurrent didactic and subsequent clerkship performance found no significant effects. However, student and faculty course evaluations indicated early exposure to clinical experience was viewed as beneficial. Results will be used in…

A survey of 277 special education supervisors and administrators found compliance with an average of 9 of 14 transition policy areas of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, with the most compliance found in the paperwork aspects of transition practice. The best predictor of compliance was found to be hours of transition training. (CR)

Sixteen premedical students from underrepresented minority groups participated in a six-week, six-course program at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine (Illinois). Academic performance before and during program participation was compared for students subsequently offered or denied admission. Accepted and denied students could be…

This longitudinal study examined the relation between the instability of maternal intimate relationships and school behavior of economically disadvantaged third-graders. After ecological correlates were controlled, chronic relationship instability was found to predict externalizing behavior for boys and girls and internalizing behavior for girls,…

Identified groups of economically disadvantaged children showing high externalizing behavior in first grade that persisted (persistent) or decreased (improver) in third grade, or low first- grade levels that were stable (unproblematic) or increased (new problem) in third grade. Found that verbal ability, behavioral impulsivity, parent…

Investigates the influence of changing demographics, media use patterns, and communication needs on user interest in Integrated Systems Digital Networks for receiving and sending messages and other consumer purposes. Conventional demographic factors alone make inadequate predictors; a wider range of subjective measures, including individual…

A study of 90 first-year business students at the National University of Lesotho investigated predictors of academic success. Of 29 student characteristics or attributes considered, educational attainment at the secondary level, communication skills, understanding of introductory economics, introductory instruction in law and legal method, and…

Factors associated with children's attitudes towards persons with physical and intellectual disabilities were examined in a meta-analysis of 20 studies spanning the years 1990-2000. Factors included: attitudinal components, type of disability, age and gender of respondents, and role of inclusion. Children preferred target children without…

Draws on data from three demonstration studies to examine predictors of low-income parents' child care use, child care problems, and public subsidy receipt. Finds that the best predictors of center-based care use were ages and number of children, parents' education, and personal beliefs about family and work. Race and ethnicity effects were…