This study was designed to determine whether a sample of preservice teachers had different brain hemisphere processing modes, learning styles, environmental preferences, and course-related behaviors. The study population was 90 students enrolled in an undergraduate introductory special education course. Forty-four of the students were selected to…

This brief examines state-level data on social, economic, and child well-being measures at the outset of welfare reform, highlighting 13 states being studied in-depth. The National Survey of America's Families (NSAF) reveals that social and economic conditions relevant to welfare reform are quite diverse among the 13 states. State differences in…

Noting that literature on higher education instruction is sparse on the topic of class and course endings, this paper provides advice on how to successfully end individual classes and semester-long courses in ways that maximize learning and minimize discomfort. Based on this literature and a discussion the authors initiated through online computer…

This guide presents lessons that teach high school students the essential skills they will need to manage and resolve interpersonal conflict in creative, positive ways. Along the way, students will also explore diversity, power, and prejudice as they continue to develop greater emotional and social skillfulness. The curriculum encourages students…

This monograph summarizes what is known about youth and violence, identifying 10 myths that confound people's understanding of the real causes of youth violence. It focuses on: what contributes to youth violence (e.g., children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of using violence, children and adolescents use guns when they are easily…

This publication introduces the concept of therapeutic recreation (TR), illustrating its natural fit into the educational process and its use with at-risk students, and providing resources for further use. Section 1 examines what places a child at risk, focusing on educational goals, student behaviors, and home life. Section 2 defines TR as a…

This report examines the use of law enforcement agencies and the juvenile justice system as a double jeopardy mechanism for students, documenting the derailing of students from an academic track in school to a future in the juvenile justice system. The first section explores the emergence of zero tolerance policies and how they have led to the…

This study investigated whether there was a difference in the level of academic achievement for African American students when instructed through lecture and discussion and cooperative learning methods in the social studies classroom. Participants were 58 African American 12th graders in an urban public school. A control group was instructed using…

This book presents a collection of tips focused around six themes. In "Teaching Techniques," teachers share ways in which they have increased their effectiveness and enhanced their interaction with students. "Content" provides methods of delivering art, science, reading, and other subjects in ways that will inspire and motivate…

Second year Instructional Technology masters (ITMA) students (N=49) in a 3-year Web-based Instructional Technology program at Virginia Tech chose to communicate with faculty, support staff, and other students via a virtual forum rather than privately if the students had poor coping skills. Specifically, these students posted more messages to the…

This paper summarizes work from a dissertation that examines the determinants of public school performance, focusing on the roles of incentives and parental involvement. The thesis presents theory and related empirics. In the theory, it analyzes the effects of competition on public school productivity, with and without parental involvement, as…

This survey examined alcohol and other drug use among full- and part-time undergraduate students from 18 colleges in New York State. Students (n=4,646) completed questionnaires on demographics; working and living arrangements; academics; perceptions of campus substance abuse policies; drinking behavior and substance abuse patterns; and…

This study investigated the effects of schools' academic and disciplinary climates on student disengagement and dropping out, noting whether these effects varied by race/ethnic group. Data came from the High School Effectiveness Study (HSES), which allows contextual analysis of urban youth in their high schools, and the Common Core of Data, from…

In order to qualify for special education services, students must meet criteria that signal a serious behavior disorder. The Executive Committee of the Council for Children with Behavior Disorders (1998) expressed the need to move away from norm-referenced measures and recommended utilizing a more functional assessment approach. Members of the…

This resource document provides information about technical assistance and educational materials that can guide the development, implementation, and evaluation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education. The resources also offer information about programs whose goals are to prevent the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and…