Siblings are far more likely to be different than alike in personality and psychopathology. Different genes and different environmental experiences can account for why one sibling becomes mentally ill and another is not affected. Environmental experiences play a much greater role in sibling differentiation than has been previously recognized.…

Investigates how Ritalin, a powerful stimulant drug frequently prescribed for children exhibiting hyperactive behavior, poor attention span, and/or distractibility, is prescribed for children in educational settings, what doses seem appropriate, and what effect Ritalin has on reading achievement. Discusses the implications of Ritalin research for…

A case study is presented of a male adolescent whose behavior became increasingly rebellious, rejecting, antisocial, and self-destructive. His family's unsuccessful attempts to resolve the problems are described from the point of view of the counselor, followed by suggestions for building character and coping with changes during adolescence. (JDD)

Describes a simple field trip taken by fourth-grade students to a local park. Aided by volunteers, students go through four learning stations dealing with rock studies, tree identification, following directions (mapping), and observation skills. Presite and postsite activities are discussed. (TW)

Includes 14 articles that represent new conceptualizations of various aspects of stepfamily life, in-depth critiques of the literature, and reports of findings from recent research projects. Conveys awareness of the complexities of the research involving remarriage and stepparenting and supplies recommendations for guiding future investigative…

A study of patterns of awarding public financial aid to women for higher education shows women are disadvantaged compared to men, but it does not establish that they are systematically discriminated against. Factors such as age, marital status, dependents, program level, and part-time enrollment or correspondence study are considered. (MSE)

A statistical overview shows improvement in income levels of married-couple families, educational attainment and enrollment, and home ownership among Blacks in the 1970s, but also reveals setbacks influenced by high Black unemployment, sharply increasing divorce and separation rates, and a rise in households maintained by females. (CMG)

Education has a greater impact on the nature of German youth's perception of the reunification of East and West Germany than do extensive family discussions of political matters. There appears to be less support for reunification as a political symbol with each succeeding generation. (RM)

This article explains how the French nursery school, established by the Ministry of Education, provides the basis for the educational system as well as a social service for child welfare. (MS)

The charter school movement dates from the late 1980s and became a popular education reform tool in the 1990s. Some 3,000 charter schools exist today. Charter advocates made a number of claims regarding how charter schools would improve education. The charter, or contract, would free the school of many state and local district rules and…

The charter school movement dates from the late 1980s and became a popular education reform tool in the 1990s. Some 3,000 charter schools exist today. Charter advocates made a number of claims regarding how charter schools would improve education. The charter, or contract, would free the school of many state and local district rules and…

Instructional leaders need a wide range of skills and talents to be effective in today's schools and this resource will provide a variety of practical strategies and tools for efficiently handling all the details in order to increase productivity. This text highlights techniques, skills, and strategies related to Organization, Communication, and…

The New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD) launched services under its Out-of-School Time (OST) Programs for Youth in September 2005, with the award of funds to support more than 500 programs across New York City. Together, DYCD and the city's nonprofit community, working closely with the New York City Department of…

This volume provides a compendium of measures that could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of Head Start enhancements. The focus is on child outcome measures, although measures pertaining to intermediate outcomes related both to changes in the program and changes in the home are included. The authors also review measures and variables…

"I know there is something wrong, but what? How do I know if outside help for this child is needed? How do I tell parents that their child could have a learning difficulty?" These are questions that most nursery workers, at some point in their careers, will have to face. Based on the lives of real children and typical situations in early years…