Many young adolescents, possibly as many as half, feel boxed in and bored in their middle schools. Research suggests that schools, parents, and the rest of the community must do more to make middle schools places where young adolescents thrive. In spite of the emergence of the junior high school and later the middle school in the 20th century,…

This publication is part of a package of three booklets that synthesize current knowledge about the preconditions for learning in children and discuss ways of fostering these conditions. (The other two booklets are an executive summary of this report and a collection of five vignettes on services for infants, toddlers, and families). This report…

This study represents the first to empirically validate the structure of social self-concept (SC) as proposed by the Shavelson model. For each of three age groups--preadolescents (252 3rd graders), early adolescents (290 7th graders), and late adolescents (335 11th graders)--analyses of covariance structures were used to test: (1) that social SC…

This manual, which is intended for use in high school classrooms throughout Florida, contains home economics learning activities featuring three different levels of integration of vocational and academic education. At level 1, activities teaching child development and homemaking skills are provided. These activities are structured to be taught…

The Even Start-Padres y Progreso program is a nationally funded program designed to prepare young children to enter school by not only offering early childhood education, but also assisting their families with adult literacy and English as a Second Language (ESL), parenting-skills training, and employment-skills training. An evaluation of the…

Increasing numbers of children begin formal schooling without the requisite skills or abilities to succeed, most often due to deficiencies in language and emotional maturity. This study sought to identify potential precursors to later kindergarten difficulties that would suggest specific areas needing further study and support. Study participants…

This 2-year study examined how assistive technologies are used in educational programs for children who have significant multiple disabilities. Naturalistic inquiry incorporated qualitative collection procedures including observations, videotapes of children, and questionnaires and interviews with teachers and parents. Three groups of children…

Noting that the early childhood age group encounters--and poses--particular challenges that require understanding by early childhood teachers, this book presents theories and practical skills needed to administer discipline that will promote the educational development of young children and help them learn from their behavior. The guidance…

The Korean kindergarten curriculum involves a mixture of Japanese, American, and Korean methods. The Japanese influence is reflected in the use of large group instruction and an expectation of uniformity from the children, influences from the United States include a consideration for children's individual interests, and the Korean influence is…

This paper reports on the findings of an evaluation of Project Giant Step, a program funded by New York City to provide comprehensive services to all 4-year-olds in the city, beginning with low-income children who are unserved by existing programs. Both the costs and effects of Project Giant Step are examined. Effects of the program on children…

This manual for first grade teachers provides suggestions and teaching materials that reflect the multicultural composition of New York City's (New York) public schools. It is organized into two sections: the first is in English, and the second is in Spanish. The English section contains the following six sections: (1) "Planning for the First…

This document responds to issues raised in a Schools Council discussion paper analyzing the first years of schooling in Australia. The document is divided into nine chapters covering the following topics: (1) the national and historical context in which early childhood programs currently operate; (2) conditions that foster teachers' ability to…

This document presents three papers on multicultural education in early childhood, followed by a selected ERIC bibliography on the same subject. The first paper, "Multicultural Approaches in Education: A German Experience," by Carmen Treppte, describes the development of Turkish Children and Mothers, a project designed to help…

This volume exemplifies the overall interdisciplinary, multiprofessional view of the problems and potential of urban children and youth. The contributors were encouraged to identify current problems and better solutions. Contributions are grouped into sections on families, schools, and health. The following chapters are included: (1) "Introduction…

Noting that by 15 years of age, boys are three times more likely than girls to die from all causes combined, but especially from accidents, violence, and suicide, this book suggests that boys have special needs and offers suggestions for effective parenting. Chapter 1, "What Is It with Boys?," provides an overview. Chapter 2, "The Three Stages of…