Examination of the effects of difficulty level of academic tasks on the behavior of 2 subjects (ages 9 and 12) with severe behavior disorders found that difficult tasks were generally associated with lower percentages of time-on-task and higher percentages of time engaged in disruptive behavior than were easy task conditions. (Author/DB)

A study examined the effectiveness of a 10-week social skills instruction program for seven students (ages 8-9) at risk for antisocial behavior who were unresponsive to a schoolwide primary intervention program. Results indicated lasting decreases in both disruptive behaviors in the classroom and negative social interactions on the playground.…

Describes the use of videoconferencing for field trips in elementary and secondary education. Discusses how it works, videoconferencing providers, time involved, costs, amount of interactivity, supplemental hands-on material, content standards, technical support, class preparation, and the need for back-up plans in case of technical difficulties.…

A classwide peer tutoring procedure was implemented in an urban elementary school classroom of 23 students, to improve students' spelling performance. Results indicated the untrained or collateral tutoring behaviors increased the academic response frequencies of three tutees and the weekly spelling achievement of one target tutee. (Author/DB)

An extensive descriptive study of high school physical education programs in 15 urban Canadian high schools collected and analyzed data to provide insight into student (N=225) activity as an indication of physical education quality. Motor skill and cognitive development activities were observed and analyzed. (IAH)

In an investigation of the distractibility of hyperactive children and controls (N=24) in a focused attention task, differences in task efficiency were not significant. Differences in error percentages were associated with IQ. Variable reaction times in hyperactives are not to be explained in terms of a focused attention deficit. (JW)

Summarizes a survey of athletes and extracurricular students in 42 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I schools. Describes the results of the survey, such as number of hours in sports and in class, grades, desire to get a degree, and drug related problems. (YP)

Reports findings of a small-scale study on middle school students' use of interactive videodisc. Types of learning activities in which the ability-grouped pupils engaged are identified, the proportion of time spent on each activity is shown, and the dynamics of group process are discussed. (eight references) (Author/LRW)

Elementary-school learning-disabled, emotionally disabled, educable mentally retarded, and nonhandicapped students (N=122) were observed during written language instruction, to document writing tasks and student responding. Extreme variability was found in the amount of time individual students spent in writing activities or in receiving written…

Five students, aged 10-11, with serious emotional disturbances and/or learning disabilities, recorded their attentive behavior and academic productivity. Then performance was assessed under a choice condition, the treatment program was faded, and maintenance was probed. Results revealed that both treatments produced and maintained improvements in…

Examined relationship between on-task behaviors and standardized achievement among emotionally disturbed or behavior disordered students. Forty emotionally disturbed or behavior disordered elementary school students participated in token economy for one academic year. Noted minimal pre-post achievement gains and high level of on-task behavior; no…

A model of achievement applicable to learning disabled students is presented which comprises entry characteristics, self-efficacy for learning, task engagement variables, and efficacy cues. Research is summarized on effects of social and instructional variables on self-efficacy and achievement behaviors. Self-efficacy appeared to predict student…

This study compared the cooperation, aggression, and wandering behavior of 12 first-grade children with severe to profound hearing losses with that of 12 hearing children. No significant differences were found in amounts cooperation, aggression, or wandering behavior displayed by the two groups. However, children with hearing loss changed…

The purpose of this research was to determine whether an in-school breakfast program would increase attendance and on-task behaviors of male high school students in a vocational high school. The outcomes indicate that an in-school breakfast program had a positive influence on on-task behaviors of the students. (LKS)

The paths of university students from first matriculation to achievement of the doctorate are compared for nine technically-oriented universities in six countries. Although the ages at which doctorates are awarded vary by 6 or 7 years, the amount of effort invested in research in preparation of dissertations varies little, from under 3 years to…