Results indicate that the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) Inventory might be useful for screening Black children in order to identify those at risk for school failure. (Author/RH)

Demonstrates that the manner in which fourth-grade students develop points of view in classroom writing is a function of the verbal interaction patterns these children maintain with their teachers. (HOD)

Four types of kindergarten programs varying in time scheduling and planning for and reinforcement of task orientation were defined and their effects on four- and five-year-old pupils observed. The task orientation of the children varied with the degree of program planning to enhance it. (Editor/SJL)

The role of faculty colleagues in the evaluation of college teaching is not defined adequately. A distinction needs to be made between summative evaluation conducted for administrative decisions such as pay increases, promotion, and tenure, and formative evaluations designed to improve teaching. (MLW)

The dyadic controls of the social interchange patterns of 12- to 42-month-olds (N=27) with their different social partners is the focus of this study. (Author/MP)

The author discusses several factors which have in the past decade made it difficult for school personnel directors to establish quality teacher selection procedures. He identifies some basic criteria and methods for the selection process, emphasizing direct observation of the candidate's teaching performance as a selection tool. (SJL)

Four college classrooms were observed for 40 days to determine the interaction of teacher role behaviors, student characteristics, and developmental phases of the class as a work group in disrupting or facilitating the learning process. The study's observational categories are detailed and implications for effective teaching discussed. (SJL)

Interviews with administrators in western Pennsylvania concerning standardized testing revealed that central office administrators do not perceive themselves to be primary users of test information. They prefer to consider personal or teacher observation, parental and community feedback, and the achievements of students and graduates as…

Examines techniques teachers use to cope with distractions to classroom instruction and determines their effectiveness in eliminating distractions or minimizing instructional time lost. (Author/DB)

Discusses the realtionship between toddler behavior and quality child care, and compares the care given to 18-month-old children in home care and center care situations. (CM)

The theoretical perspective and naturalistic methods of ecological psychology developed by Roger Barker are described. Ecological assessment implies examining (1) naturally occurring behavior; (2) environment immediately surrounding behavior; and (3) the individual-environment link. The specimen record, chronolog, and behavior-setting survey are…

Suggests that naturalistic inquiry is a subset of empirical research that is highly appropriate to social science and reading research. Proposes that colleges offer opportunities for students to learn and participate in naturalistic research methods and that research journals promote and accept more naturalistic research. (MKM)

Describes an ethnographic research study of collective student activities that occur during instruction in basic subjects. Intensive observation was made of a first-grade and a fifth-grade classroom. Observations were recorded every day for five months. In addition, students were formally interviewed to get their interpretations of lessons. (SS)