Presents study results examining the effectiveness of teacher praise on children's on-task behavior. Describes Canter's Assertive Discipline, its use in Australia, and the basics of a study of the technique. Reports that all teacher subjects increased rates of praising following training, and all but one student improved levels of behavior.…

Empirical evidence from a study of 15 male and 12 female abused, neglected, troubled, or homeless adolescents in a St. Louis (Missouri) shelter indicates greater hostility and depression and lower self-esteem for these subjects than for those in comparative studies of the 3 measures (hostility, depression, and self-esteem) used. (SLD)

Describes knowledge, perceptions, and risky behaviors related to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) of 1,173 impoverished African-American and high- and low-acculturated Latina women. Data indicate the need for culturally sensitive AIDS prevention programs with separate sessions for women of different ethnic backgrounds and acculturation…

Studies the impact of educating teenage males about sex, drugs, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Results of interviews with 1,880 males aged 15 to 19 years indicate that receiving instruction is associated with lower levels of sexual activity and increased condom use. Recommendations are made for prevention programs. (SLD)

The impact of retention in kindergarten on academic achievement and behavior was studied for 53 retained children and 53 matched promoted peers. The academic advantages indicated in the second year of kindergarten were not maintained past kindergarten. Results do not support retention as an effective policy for young children. (SLD)

A 2-year stepped intervention program--the HealthWise Intervention Study--at a company with 4,164 employees found that overall health risk status improved at all 4 intervention levels. The highest level, combining environmental policy with high-risk targeting, was associated with the greatest improvement in lifestyle risk factors. (SLD)

Single-session Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) risk reduction programs led by peer volunteers for 201 gay and bisexual men were slightly more effective than 4-session groups led by paid counselors for 88 subjects. Both were more effective than waiting-list control groups (n=212 subjects) in reducing the risk behavior. (SLD)

Contends that there is widespread concern that graduate programs in economics do not train students adequately to do economics. Reports that little emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills or creativity. (CFR)

Describes a study conducted in Northern Ireland that investigated the impact of personal computers on pupils' cognitive and affective development. Topics addressed include attitudes toward English, math, or science; gender differences; process-based work versus content learning; and treatment of experimental and control groups. (Contains five…

This article describes an assessment approach for students with severe and multiple disabilities, SMH.PAL, that employs expert system technology. The system matches behavior topography with studies describing treatment approaches and then generates case-specific, annotated descriptions of potentially useful articles. It also models an approach to…

Discusses the impact of culture and sociocultural characteristics on student behavior and attitudes, focusing on Filipino students in Hawaiian public schools. The article makes recommendations for teachers who work in multicultural classrooms, explaining the teacher's role and discussing how teachers and students can be partners in learning. (SM)

Asserts that thoughtful assessment of student achievement can illustrate student growth to parents, administrators, and non-music teacher colleagues. Recommends incorporating student assessment into instruction by adapting common music activities so that teachers can observe and record student performance during normal instructional time. (CFR)

Asserts that videotape and other technological innovations are powerful tools for enhancing learning in geography. Describes instructional methods to engage students in active learning and reflective thought. Identifies videotape programs from the National Geographic Society and the Agency for Instructional Technology. (CFR)

Discusses advances in psychotherapy research with children and adolescents, highlighting three central themes. Discusses scope of clinical dysfunctions, at-risk behaviors, and conditions to which children are exposed. Uses examples of research on negative affect, social behavior, and empathy to illustrate role of development in adjustment.…

Data from 10,957 students in the High School and Beyond survey were used to explore relationships between stable and changing family configurations and student achievement, attitudes, and behaviors in the last two years of high school. Differences in family configuration have little effect on these outcomes. (SLD)