A survey of teachers (n=547) of the learning disabled in Iowa found that teachers possess well-developed beliefs and perceptions about learning disabilities and are knowledgeable and well informed. The questionnaire covered four areas: nature and characteristics of learning disabilities, assessment and diagnosis, service delivery and intervention,…

Investigates the effect of stimulation of fantasy play on the level of symbolic play, language, and cognitive ability of four-year olds in Guyanan nursery schools. Concludes that provision of opportunities for fantasy play can have positive effects on symbolic play and language. (Author/BB)

Discusses the problem of drug abuse in schools in African American communities. Explores the role of education in making the drug problem worse by failing to offer students alternatives to the drug culture. Discusses how reconstruction of the American educational system is a necessary component of our fight against drugs. (JS)

Examined effects of multimodal counseling program Succeeding in School with potential dropouts (N=98) in grades six to eight. Found Succeeding in School program seemed to have positive influence on middle school students' attitudes toward school. (ABL)

Mothers of 23 infants with developmental disabilities were given suggestions for ways to interact in a contingently responsive manner. Compared to a control group, the interaction coaching group mothers increased responsivity and decreased stimulation, and the infants were less fussy and performed better on developmental assessments. (Author/JDD)

This paper emphasizes the importance of listening to the feelings of the adolescent with a voice disorder before beginning an action-oriented approach to creating voice changes. Use of a "behavioral contract" between therapist and student to reduce vocal abuse and excessive vocal use is suggested. (JDD)

The Regional Intervention Program supports 21 programs in 13 communities and is a community-based family-centered program in which parents of young children with behavioral disorders and/or developmental delays serve as primary therapists for their children, as principal trainers of other parents, and as daily operators of the service delivery…

A study at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (Yeshiva University, New York) has identified students from each medical class with previously unidentified learning disabilities. In three case studies, the importance of early identification and support is illustrated. In each case, dramatic improvement occurred with student awareness and…

Discusses a previous study of the operational and sociomoral reasoning of 70 congenitally deaf children. Reports that, although the results indicated no differences between the hearing and nonhearing students on the development of sociomoral reasoning, the researchers still advocated intervention programs. (CFR)

Responds to criticism of research into the development of sociomoral reasoning of deaf children. Defends research methodology and asserts that the criticism does not accurately interpret their hypotheses. Concludes that their recommended intervention program also would be helpful with sensory unimpaired children. (CFR)

Examines New Zealand legislation that allows families greater decision-making power when the safety and welfare of their children are seen to be at risk. Discusses the Family Group Conference intervention model and its efficacy, concerns and criticisms that this model has evoked, and the model's potential applicability to child care and protection…

Highlights some ethical issues that have begun to receive attention in health education and argues for greater emphasis on ethical dimensions in public health policies. Using selected moral principles, the article examines issues of individual responsibility, biases in interventions, societal obsessions with health, and the role of the health…

Examines definitions of sexual abuse and primary prevention; considers the appropriateness and fairness of child abuse prevention programs in the light of child abuse theory and developmentally appropriate educational practices; and reviews the quality and effects of some programs. Suggests caregivers and educators consider greater parent and…

Practices essential in school health education include targeting priority health behaviors, scheduling sufficient programing to elicit change, providing a health promotion model, addressing commonalities of skills, choosing appropriate instructional methods, soliciting student and parent involvement, providing diverse interventions, integrating…

Addresses the specific language expectations of early elementary school, describes common language problems, and recommends strategies for intervention in early childhood classrooms. Includes examples of real classroom conversations between teacher and students. Presents two tables summarizing expressive and receptive language intervention…