Adults with mental retardation (n=22,740) were studied to investigate age-related changes in functioning and their relation to subsequent mortality. Individuals with Down syndrome, compared to non-Down syndrome individuals with mental retardation, were at earlier and higher risk for adaptive regression whether prevalence, incidence, or mortality…

This study examined whether item overlap, or measurement confounding, accounts for the correlation between temperament and behavior problem symptoms in children. Experts rated items on Children's Behavior Questionnaire and Preschool Behavior Questionnaire for their fit to both constructs, and then these items were factor analyzed with longitudinal…

Tests how perceived self-efficacy influenced cognitive task performance among 64 Canadian college students. Shows students with high perceptions of self-efficacy, induced by positive feedback, completed more problems, had more efficient problem-solving strategies, and accurately self-evaluated responses. Illustrates self-efficacy's context…

Literature is reviewed on the topic of blindisms and their possible causes. Studies indicate that the lack of blindisms among Black African blind children is related to the close mother-child contact and the interaction among the extended family unit. Strategies for preventing blindisms are offered. (Author/JDD)

Reports on a study of the determinism-free will debate presented in 15 textbooks published between 1956-1965 and 38 texts published between 1983-1992. Finds that most textbooks still favor a deterministic position. Issues a call to sociology teachers to reflect carefully about the way the choice debate is depicted. (CFR)

Correlated teens' strategies for regulating their attachment to their mothers as measured by the Adult Attachment Interview, and emotion regulation during teen-mother problem solving. Teens with secure strategies engaged in problem-solving discussions characterized by less dysfunctional anger and less avoidance of problem solving than other teens.…

Suggests that play begins with infant-adult interaction soon after birth rather than with much later peer interactions. Proposes a developmental sequence of infant play that reverses the sequences of the Howes peer play scale, and cites pertinent literature to support that proposal. (BC)

This study evaluated teacher surveys for 63 deaf or hard of hearing students (ages 11 to 21) concerning students' progress toward outcome expectations and emotional-behavioral functioning. Statistically significant correlations were found between many performance outcomes and emotional-behavioral functioning. Overall, the students scored high on…

The futility of the debate between heredity and environment as determinants of intelligence is argued, with convictions inspired by C. Burt's work (apart from the question of fraud in his work). It is contended that the influence of this misconceived ideological disagreement is apparent in today's educational systems. (SLD)

This study found that 16 preschoolers with Down's syndrome attained higher age equivalents and standard scores in "socialization" than did 16 preschoolers with autism. Adaptive age equivalent was positively related to chronological age for children with Down's syndrome in all domains, but only in "communication" for children with autism.…

Responses to youth violence include intervention programs to teach children alternative skills for solving problems and to challenge superficial beliefs about the glories of violence. Children on a destructive path need someone they can trust who will guide them. Lists 29 measures in response to school violence and the percentage of school…

Suggestions for helping students who are deaf or hard of hearing develop responsible behaviors focus on instruction in decision making and responsibility; developing a sense of purpose; goal setting; teaching skills for independent learning; and working with students' families. (DB)

Examines the educational potential of cross-cultural travel to overcome xenophobia, stating that international encounters must not be a replacement for dealing with the conditions that create societal prejudice. Asserts that a precondition for change in a person's perception of foreign peoples and cultures lies in the alteration of that person's…

Investigated the role of behavioral style and cognitive performance as predictors of cognitive development in extremely low-birth-weight children assessed at age 2 and again at age 4. Found stability of cognitive performance from 2 to 4 years of age; this as well as behavior style and orientation-engagement predicted subsequent cognitive…

Over the last several years, there has been an increased focus on school readiness and supporting children during the preschool years to learn the skills they need to be successful in elementary school and beyond (Bowman, Donovan, Burns, et al., 2000; Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000). The capacity to develop positive social relationships, to concentrate…