School boards are challenged to reconcile differences between test-dominated accountability and the growing backlash against standards and assessments. The answer: a comprehensive accountability system that does not ignore state demands for improved achievement as measured by test scores, but places them in context with classroom practices. (MLH)

Discusses and provides historical background on the Michigan state content standards intended to improve social studies education. Addresses the role of statewide assessment in educational reform and the challenges in assessment. Considers (1) teacher preparation to support the standards and assessment and (2) the focus upon higher order thinking…

Developed a computerized adaptive language proficiency test for a community college in Quebec, Canada and obtained item response theory calibrations on the items from 700 to 800 administrations. Describes projected efforts to detect instances in which "cheating low" (answering incorrectly deliberately) occurs. (SLD)

A study investigated the performance of high- and low-risk (for child abuse) mothers on cognitive measures in a cry (crying infant) and no-cry condition. High-risk mothers had lower conceptual ability, cognitive flexibility, and problem-solving skills. The difficulty high-risk mothers have in using feedback to modify their behavior is discussed.…

Summarizes the main debate points on the issue and nature of bullies and bullying, and clarifies unresolved issues concerning the nature and limits of social competence values. Argues that variations in children's emotion processes may underlie some individual differences that have been found in empathy, social information processing, and reactive…

Analyzes a small group of 12th-grade students who interpreted the character of Gertrude in "Hamlet" through a "body biography," a life-sized human outline filled with student-generated words and images. Concludes with a reconsideration of the notion of engagement that includes attention to both the immediate social relations…

A study assessed whether the impact of a microswitch-based program on indices of happiness would be comparable with that of a stimulation program on three persons with profound multiple disabilities. The microswitch-based program produced increases that were fairly clear for two participants and quite modest for the third. (Contains references.)…

The author discusses the therapeutic use of forgiveness in healing intergenerational pain. Forgiveness is conceptualized as a four-station process used to break unhealthy developmental and relational patterns and to promote healing. These stations can help the client gain insight and understand intergenerational pain, provide an opportunity for…

A group of adolescent girls portray in art and in words their journey from trauma and hurt to trust and hope. Students, who are members of a positive peer culture group, designed and painted a mural in three sections. As a whole, the mural represents the three stages of the adolescent process. (Author)

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between a student's spirituality and religious beliefs and the impact of those beliefs on the decision to use substances. Results indicate that spirituality may play a significant role in the decision of college students to use substances. (Author)

This article describes a number of strategies and social-emotional interventions for use with maltreated children. These include: structure to increase feelings of safety and security, positive behavior management techniques, and methods that foster social and emotional resiliency. (Author)

Interprets literature on contributions of social cognitive and emotion processes to children's social competence in the context of an integrated model of emotion processes and cognition in social information processing. Provides neurophysiological and functional evidence for the centrality of emotion processes in personal-social decision making.…

Explores what students are learning by writing literature responses. Accentuates the influential role of teachers in literature. Discusses the need for educators to engage in ongoing reflection about their theoretical beliefs and pedagogical practices regarding literature- and response-based programs. (RS)

Offers thoughts on mastering creative writing, and why a good teacher is essential to the process. Asserts that students must ultimately satisfy themselves and not their teachers, and that a pupil's innermost imagination must be nurtured and given free-rein. Makes emphatic the view that good teaching is one of the most unselfish activities that…

Explored relations between additive and cumulative representations of contextual risk, caregiver emotionality, child adaptability, and teacher reports of problem behaviors of 6- and 7-year-olds from economically disadvantaged families. Found evidence that the relation for cumulative risk may be moderated by caregiver negative emotionality and…