This report summarizes information from states that responded to a survey on the topic of age of majority for educational decision making. Information was gathered from 40 states during the months of March and April 1999. Results indicate: (1) in 33 of the 40 states, 18 is the age of majority for educational decision making; (2) 23 of the…

Noting that an examination of the historical and biographical context in which the Montessori educational theory and methods were developed can provide important insights into this educational approach, this 15-minute videotape explores the lives of Maria Montessori and her son Mario. Part 1 of the video, "Discovery: The Pioneering…

Compared employee affective and behavioral responses to four work schedules--a fixed-hour schedule and three variations of flexible working hours. Hypothesized systematic differences in employee responses reflecting increased flexibility were not supported. Employees generally responded more favorably to flexible hour systems as contrasted with…

Compared economically dependent college students (N=20) with independent nonstudents (N=20) to assess the impact of prolonged student status. Results of a test battery showed prolonged student status appeared to (1) foster emotional dependence; (2) negatively affect achievement of identity but not self-esteem; and (3) retard vocational identity…

Perspectives concerning William Rhodes' philosophy and his 1975 predictions about the mental health system are offered. Rhodes characterized the traditional mental health system as one that suppresses individuality in the interests of social control. On the other hand, in innovative progressional institutions, power is shared by providers with…

The diversity of audiences within the American reading public, the variety of reading materials available to these audiences, the ways in which these materials are distributed to the public, and the influence of distinctive American institutions that promote books and encourage reading are discussed by the Library of Congress. (MLW)

Research suggests that adults can help students become more responsible by teaching them new ways of thinking about self-control and new skills and strategies for self-control. (JM)

Litigation and the issues surrounding the use of behavioral procedures to handicapped persons are reviewed. Attention is directed to the use of aversive techniques, e.g., corporal punishment, electric shock, timeout, and restraint. (SEW)

An age-based theory of delinquency causation is developed, which assumes the importance of norms and roles specific to adolescence. The recurrent model of socialization and that assumed by traditional theorists are discussed, and their implications for the causes of delinquent behavior are examined. (Author/PN)

Studied the implications of being involved in either the design of changes or the application of a Quality of Work Life (QWL) change for four aspects of experienced influence. Results indicated the people who experienced the most increase in influence were those who helped design the change. (Author/RC)

Provides an overview of the educational theories of John Dewey and Homer Lane, then offers a fictional dialogue between the theorists to contrast their views on the question of whether students should be allowed to be personally responsible for deciding their own school curiculum. (DMM)

This study investigated the mastery-oriented and learned-helplessness response patterns of children (n=13) with visual impairments in grades 3 to 6 who were divided into two groups, low vision children who were visual learners and nonvisual learners. Subjects were given the Intellectual Achievement Responsibility Questionnaire. No significant…

Describes three rhetorical strategies used by postmodern corporations to construct social realities and obscure individual causation and control: decentering, deindividuation, and distanciation. Shows that the postmodern corporation mediates and controls the reality of individuals; therefore it, and not its members, should be viewed as morally…

Thirty-six English children with cerebral palsy (ages 3-4) were compared on their skills for independence. Nineteen of the children were enrolled in a Conductive Education Program, and 17 were enrolled in special education programs. Results indicate there were no significant differences between the two groups in their independence skills.…

Examined an instructional program emphasizing African American history and culture to determine classroom experiences and the program's impact on academic motivation for the 18 African American male middle school students. Data provide mixed support for the relationships among autonomy, control, perceived competence, and intrinsic motivation…