Considers the nature and needs of the emerging adolescent. Identifies important concerns not discussed in this journal issue: child abuse, divorce and visitation rights, nuclear war, work in and out of the home, and stress. Briefly describes the seven articles contained in the issue. (CB)

The mother of a five-year-old with partial growth hormone deficiency recounts how she and her son attempted to deal with the physical pain and emotional upheaval caused by the regular injections of human growth hormones she had to administer to the child. (CB)

Discusses the problem of overweight and obese preschoolers, particularly those in an academic preschool situation, which traditionally allows children to function without specific objectives related to physical fitness. Offers recommendations for integrating a balanced fitness program. (Author/RWB)

Between the second and fifth years of their secondary schooling, British students' attitudes toward school science became more negative. This applied to both boys and girls, but it was more marked in the case of the girls. Early maturing girls showed significantly more negative attitudes to school science. (Author/RM)

A multiple measurement approach with eight measurements was used to answer research questions regarding physical and social effects that occur when educable mentally retarded adolescents were exposed to a 10-week dance program. This approach was found to be useful for identifying multiple effects and generating hypotheses for further study.…

The impact of different school environments on the process of incorporating adolescent physical changes into body image is explored using data on 225 White females from a longitudinal study. (Author/LMO)

The process of self-disclosure among adolescents and parents may change as a result of adolescent development, specifically, changes in cognitive and physical development and self-concept. Implications of changes in self-disclosure are discussed in relation to parent-adolescent interaction. (Author/EGS)

Argues that there is a hormonal difference which exists between males and females which precludes the females from developing the same degree of strength, speed and power as her equally trained male counterpart. Nonetheless, the female has the ability to develop a high level of skill in any sport. (NG)

This study is a follow up to the Last Best Chance report published in 1989. A task force of 29 education leaders was challenged to help chart the course for middle level education in North Carolina. While examining middle level education (ages 11 through 14), task force members continuously asked, "What should it look like in order for all…

Compared to the rest of the school day, recess is a time when children have more freedom to choose what they want to do and with whom. In light of the current climate of school accountability, this Spanish-language Digest discusses research on recess and its relationship to learning, social development, and child health, as well as research on…

In the United States, growth retardation is higher among low-income children, with adverse cognitive effects of undernutrition more prevalent when combined with poverty. This study examined anthropometric indicators of physical development and their relationship to motor and cognitive development in Head Start children. Motor integration and…

The paper presented the case of a 9-year-old boy whose physical appearance and behavior were those of a 6-year-old, and questioned whether he should be diagnosed as immature or defective. (Author/GW)

Explains the history, philosophy, and practices of public preschools in Russia. (DR)

Delineates the rationale underlying traditional preschool programs by drawing together theory that is accepted by early childhood educators. Makes an effort to use ordinary language that could be used by teachers to explain the program to parents. (Author/CM)

To clarify patterns in the rate of motor development, children observed between kindergarten and second grade were refilmed, performing an overarm throw, when they became seventh-grade students. Results were compared with predictions made earlier. Differences in the skill levels of boys and girls and differences in their throwing experience are…