Discusses relationships among selected aspects of parental involvement as they relate to the cognitive, affective, and performance outcomes of instrumental music students. Discovers that for cognitive musical and musical performance outcomes parental influence is strongest at the elementary level. For affective outcomes parental involvement…

Interviews with elementary students before and after tests in three subjects investigated how grade level and subject affected students' ability to predict test scores. Results found a significant grade-subject area interaction for predictions prior to testing. Posttest predictions differed only slightly from pretest. Prediction accuracy was…

Describes an undergraduate psychology class that required the students to either write an essay (counterattitudinal advocacy) or read an essay supporting a scientifically acceptable position contrary to one of their beliefs. Maintains that counterattitudinal advocacy is more effective for overcoming beginning students' erroneous beliefs about…

Presents objectives, methodology, and results from a binary model that studies data from a 1987 nationwide survey of high school students taking the Test of Economic Literacy (TEL). Links current economics class performance to perceived usefulness of additional economics courses. Advocates curriculum reassessment. Includes tables showing results.…

Issues connected with knowledge acquisition through the development of complex computer programs--Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITSs)--are discussed. The components of such a system and its applications are considered, including: elicitation of knowledge, tutoring with incomplete/uncertain knowledge, self-improving tutoring systems, and…

The Steps to Self-Determination curriculum model focuses on knowing oneself, valuing oneself, planning, acting, experiencing outcomes, and learning. It has been tested with 77 high school students having a variety of disabilities. Two related scales have also been developed: the Self-Determination Observation Checklist and the Self-Determination…

This study compared dietary knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and patterns between Chinese American middle school students and their Chinese equivalents. Chinese students had less knowledge and less favorable attitudes but more positive behavioral factors affecting diet. They consumed less meat, dairy products, fat, sweets, and snacks and ate more…

An attempt was made to assess effects of an educational project designed to enhance knowledge and influence attitudes about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) using trained student instructors. Results with 20 eighth graders showed knowledge enhancement but a negligible effect on attitudes. Most students received AIDs information from mass…

Three data sets from previous studies demonstrated that children who began kindergarten with less implicit knowledge of books, as compared with well-read-to students, acquired this knowledge in kindergarten and first grade. Results suggest that those in whole-language classes progressed more rapidly. (SLD)

Reports on the certification requirements for school library media specialists in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Testing and educational requirements are given, competencies and skills needed in various subject areas are listed, and the role of the American Library Association is explained. A directory of credentialing agencies is…

Increasingly, states seeking to improve teacher education are establishing teacher qualification standards. Several have authorized independent boards to determine licensing criteria; many are asking a national agency to accredit their programs. Other groups are producing guidelines, standards, and tests for evaluating new and veteran teachers.…

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…

Pre- and postcourse questionnaire assessments of a university course on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) taken by 429 college students demonstrate substantial cognitive and attitudinal changes over the period. University courses can be an efficient way to educate future community leaders and professionals about AIDS. (SLD)

Results from an exploratory evaluation of the Indiana Principals' Leadership Academy (IPLA) over its first four years are reported. Interviews with 30 principals (20 IPLA graduates and 10 current participants) and review of IPLA documents reflect favorable responses to the program by principals and its strengths and weaknesses. (SLD)

Compares theories of knowledge and strategies for cultural transmission in Pohnpei (Micronesia) and U.S. models of education. Extensive interviews and observations demonstrate the awareness of the people of Pohnpei of the potential of U.S. education to transform their traditional chiefdom hierarchy and the content and nature of traditional…