Data from the national Youth in Transition Study for 1,456 high school students and recent graduates indicate that reported grade averages in grades 11 and 12 are significantly affected by academic self-concept measured the previous year. Results demonstrate the influence of academic self-concept on subsequent academic achievement. (SLD)

Examines gender and familial role attitudes of 142 male and 123 female adolescent international students in the Netherlands using the Attitudes Toward Women Scale for Adolescents and Historic-Sociocultural Premises Scale. Females respond less traditionally than males, and students from less wealthy, more collectivist countries have more…

Whether athletes in sports that emphasize leanness differ from athletes in other sports with regard to eating attitudes and disposition toward eating disorders was studied for 104 female and 87 male postsecondary level athletes. Results indicate that different groups of athletes may be at different risks of eating disorders. (SLD)

Explores reasons for the apparent difficulty that African-American males and females have in establishing and maintaining stable relationships. Data from the National Survey of Black Americans and other sources indicate numerous explanations for the situation, including economic factors. Trends for the future of African-American relationships and…

Reports on an analysis of gender-related references appearing in the "Music Supervisors' Journal" from 1914-24. Finds that both coeducational and single-sex musical organizations were discussed and that vocal and instrumental instruction for boys and girls was advocated. (CFR)

Examination of the correlation between multiple-choice and essay portions of the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examinations with grades of first-year students from 32 colleges (largest sample=6,243) shows the best correlation for multiple choice tests for 2 examinations, with multiple choice and essay performing nearly equally for the…

Reviews trends in second-language instruction in England during the late 1800s. Maintains that classical languages were considered "boy's subjects," whereas modern languages were taught to girls. Asserts that educational reform of both all education resulted in the redefinition of modern languages as curricular subjects. (CFR)

Urban secondary school students (n=1,064) were administered the Dean Alienation Scale to determine differences in feelings of alienation among African Americans, Caucasians, and Latinos, as well as sex and age differences. Higher levels of alienation reported by African Americans and Latinos and by males in all ethnic groups are discussed as a…

Discusses social and economic trends in American society that have direct effects on African-American families. Social policy contributing to the negative well-being of African-American families is discussed. The economic alienation of African-American men is explored as a major contributor to families headed by single female parents. (SLD)

Examines attitudes of Israeli adolescents and midlife adults about significant adults in their past. Results indicate that most choose a parent as the most significant relative in their adolescence, and females choose mothers more than males do. Adults attribute more negative characteristics to their parents and are more likely to mention teachers…

This pilot study investigated self-esteem and achievement of 42 black male rural junior high school students identified as at-risk by their teachers. Self-esteem was significantly related to achievement test composite scores and science and mathematics subtests, as well as to average grade and English and social studies grades. (SLD)

A study of 192 medical students compared parental income, as declared on financial aid statements, and mean scores on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and United States Medical Licensing Examination, by gender and minority/majority status. Results showed significant positive correlations between test scores and parental income for all…

Contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) is one of the most serious public health issues for adolescents and young adults; rates of STDs among American Indian youth are among the highest of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. Although it is one of the key risk factors for spreading STDs, little is known about individual…

This feature is a collection of brief essays recently written by Japanese and Chinese gay youth, followed by commentary from several leading educators and scholars. Akihiko Komiya's "Difficulties Japanese Gay Youth Encounter" provides excerpts from the stories of six gay youth and their everyday lives, based on their letters in…

It has been argued that battered women who kill their abusers represent a special class of defendants being unfairly treated in the legal system. As a result, commentators have argued for reforms to permit the judicial system to respond more fairly. Researchers have investigated the influences of these prescribed legal modifications and the…