Off-campus training called "gasshuku" in Japanese middle and high schools is described. The training, which embodies Japanese cultural themes and values in the three-part curriculum of academic subjects, moral lessons, and special activities, functions as a rite of passage into adulthood in Japan's industrial society. (MMU)

Information available so far indicates that children in managed care arrangements are less likely to be seen by pediatric specialists and that families and providers are less satisfied under managed care. In spite of these drawbacks, the managed care approach, modified appropriately, offers new opportunities to provide high-quality medical care…

In order to assess the effects of changes in the types of interventions available under managed care, clients' perceptions of empathy and overall satisfaction with treatment were examined. No difference in perceived empathy or satisfaction was found between clients in unstructured individual therapy or time-limited standardized group therapy.…

Surveyed 196 medical college seniors about changes in the health-care system. Of the respondents, 79% believed that cost reduction rather than quality of care is the primary consideration behind recent changes, and 78% thought that managed-care organizations hamper physician ability in rendering optimal care. Discusses implications for curricular…

Examines one Pennsylvania school district's efforts to upkeep and improve its 30- to 40-year-old school facilities that required no tax increases for six years. Highlighted are the district's use of the Federal Land Reuse Authority to transform abandoned government property to private use and utilize the help of the community to provide mutually…

Presents a reaction to Cooper and Gottlieb's (this issue) article titled, "Ethical Issues with Managed Care: Challenges Facing Counseling Psychology." Expands on the issue of informed consent as a process. Echoes the concern that there is too little research in the area and that professional preparation remains inadequate. (Contains 19…

Gives a response to the reactants of the authors' article (this issue), "Ethical Issues with Managed Care: Challenges Facing Counseling Psychology." Anticipates trends in the managed care movement and predicts numerous models of health care delivery as the current system of managed care diminishes. (Author/GCP)

Addresses the fate of languages acquired during childhood that have not been used in a long time to find out if they are lost, overridden by other languages acquired later, or maintained despite a lack of use. German subjects were tested for their knowledge of Dutch, which they acquired as a second language during childhood. (Author/VWL)

Among 42 second-generation Japanese-Canadian young adults who had attended Toronto secondary schools and a Japanese language Saturday school, Japanese oral and reading skills were related to each other and to ethnolinguistic identity and beliefs and interpersonal relationships with Japanese speakers. Japanese reading scores positively predicted…

Traces the Bilingual Education Act's (BEA) evolution from its inception (1968) through its most recent reauthorization (1994) as the primary federal legislative effort to provide equal educational opportunity to language minorities. Discusses assimilation versus multiculturalism as a philosophical basis for education reforms, litigation preceding…

Reports on research at six Florida schools that identified common contributors to poor indoor air quality. Discusses the reasons behind the state implementing the research, the many problems associated with elevated humidity levels, and ways to improve air quality, which includes effective operational systems and maintenance procedures. (RJM)

Discusses how software programs can help managers evaluate roofing options, project maintenance, and repair costs. Describes how computerized roof management can aid in budgeting, facilitate the development of a roof-management database, and help in selecting the appropriate roof system. Offers tips on shopping for software. (RJM)

Ten possible trends on college campuses are examined. They include distance learning; rehabilitation of existing buildings; use of construction management firms; salaries for facilities directors; virtual universities; off-site garages; outside residence hall contractors; classrooms in residential buildings; and smart cards for entry and…

Describes the first two years of a San Diego-based collaborative involving managed care organizations (MCO's), school districts, and other health care agencies. By establishing trust, developing overriding principles, and creating an interagency communication infrastructure, this collaborative has encouraged shared management of many student…

Presents a small case study of language shift in the Teochew Chinese community in Singapore. The study highlights the complex relationship between societal change processes, government policy, people's attitude, and language use. (Author/JL)