The Los Angeles County Department of Adoptions discusses its policy of permitting one-parent adoptions for hard-to-place children, successful so far in a review of 36 out of 40 cases. A longitudinal study is planned. (NH)

Explored attitudes about children and the perceived importance of children in the lives of retired couples (N=12). Interviews suggested that attitudes concerning children's importance changed over time. Wives seemed particularly conscious of the parenting role; husbands identified more strongly with the mere fact of being a parent. (Author/JAC)

Identifies ingredients necessary for successfully developing programs which use innovative modes to achieve progressive institutional goals. Outlines the process of program development (i.e., identify target group; conduct needs assessment; develop knowledge base; examine limitations; review existing delivery systems; and design, field-test, and…

The experiences of banks introducing computerized services to the public are described to provide some idea of what libraries can expect when they introduce online systems. Volume of use of Automated Teller Machines, types of users, introduction of machines, and user acceptance are highlighted. Thirty-two references are cited. (EJS)

Part of a special issue on organizational research utilization, this article reviews 27 empirical studies on the utilization of social science research. Its conceptual framework for utilization includes action generation, information processing, affective bonding, and strategy formulation and control. The authors identify 3 types of utilization…

Twenty elementary school principals and 191 teachers took part in the study. Results of regression analysis indicated the principal's knowledge of the change and clarity of role was significantly related to teacher attitude, while teacher participation in the change process had a major effect on attitude and implementation. (Author/BRR)

States the hypothesis that a second language learner's motives for choosing a particular language for study are rooted in the depths of one's personality and that there is an effective relationship between the learner and the language being studied. Outlines the consequences for teaching methods of development of this hypothesis. (AMH)

Explores the impact of Minnesota's Open Birth Record Law. Studied adoptees in search of information and contact with their birth parents. Caseworkers were relatively successful in the searches, but personal contacts were achieved for only 35 percent of the adoptees. Supports the value of the Open Birth Record law. (Author)

Develops an information transfer model which relates information products to the user's innovation decision-making process and highlights the linkage between specific products and user needs at each decision point. Specific applications to environmental technology are discussed. Three figures, five tables, and a reference list accompany the text.…

An annotated bibliography lists journal articles and ERIC documents dealing with the use of educational research in teacher education. (CJ)

A brief questionnaire, sent to the adoption specialist in the state public child welfare agency in every state and the District of Columbia, posed the question: "In general, are foster parents given preference to adopt a child who has been in their care as a foster child and who is free for adoption?" (Author/RH)

Encourages adult educators to use a creative approach to solving problems and making decisions, defining creative thinking as a complex process of discovery. States that adult educators should find ways to change how they look at problems and offers some suggestions. (MF)

The author argues that college educators will have failed if they do not teach today's conservative students to entertain new ideas and question cherished notions--however painful that process may be. Condensed from "The Chronicle of Higher Education," March 23, 1981, p64. (Editor/SJL)

Defines competency-based adult education; provides a brief history of the Adult Performance Level (APL) Curriculum and Competency-Based High School Diploma program; explains the National Diffusion Network; examines how the APL staff offers training and technical assistance; and focuses on nontraditional APL program implementation. (CT)

Maintains that adoption in and of itself puts the family at some degree of risk and suggests a conceptual framework of prevention with adoption workers acting as mental health counselors working with the families. (CM)