In this paper, it is noted that there are three reasons for studying the black gifted child. First, black destiny has in part been shaped by talented blacks--for example, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King. Second, the black gifted are a minority within a minority. The gifted black female, subject to sexism, is even more of a minority. Third,…

This study measured the effects on children's behavior of peer influence and prosocial and antisocial television messages. The subjects, 120 children in second, third, and fourth grades, were placed in three different situations: one in which no television was viewed, one in which an excerpt from a television program portraying violence was…

Semistructured interviews with 47 unemployed teenagers and 49 Youth Training Scheme (YTS) trainees in Great Britain suggest that beyond directly vocational aspects of YTS, psychosocial factors (social roles/status, peer influences, leisure pursuits) are important to self/social development of youth in transition to adult life. Implications for…

A questionnaire was distributed to Native American registered nurses to discover what factors helped them succeed. Analysis of the 104 questionnaires returned from a sample of 185 showed that personal characteristics were significant, as was peer support from other Native Americans. (JHZ)

Examined the relationship between an adolescent girl's family relationship patterns and her peer relationship patterns. Measured degree of connectedness in family relationships using global coding of family interaction process, and peer connectedness by a sociometric questionnaire. Demonstrated similarities between degree of connectedness…

Research on social interaction of severely disabled adolescents is reviewed. A conceptual model for research and instruction is based on the reciprocal exchange of responses between two interactants. Among topics addressed are peer initiation strategies, teaching disabled students to initiate, the environmental context, social scripts, and school…

Synthesizes literature on social comparison in young children. Findings center on (1) children's motivations to engage in social comparison; (2) peer targets; (3) age when social comparison appears; (4) developmental sequences; (5) effects upon subsequent behavior; and (6) sex-related differences. Suggests pratical implications for teaching.…

Indicates that communication skills of neglected children are, in general, only slightly less advanced than those of accepted children, whereas children rejected by their peers are usually deficient with respect to several communication skills. Claims to be the first investigation to examine the influence of comforting skill on peer acceptance.…

Obtains standardized parent and teacher behavior ratings of neglected and rejected 8- to 11-year-old boys and girls. No age or sex differences were found. Rejected children were found to exhibit more behavior problems on both scales than neglected, popular, or average children. (Author/AS)

High school students and those who try to educate them have a tall order to fill. High schools must help create the workforce of the future by turning out graduates who have the 21st century skills that colleges and employers demand, while overcoming the achievement gap that exists for poor and minority students and fighting social pressures such…

This study evaluates the first year of a novel HIV and substance use prevention program for inner city youth (Offering New Youth eXperiences--ONYX). Baseline and follow-up measures of knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors were administered seven months apart to 441 youth participating in the ONYX program. Youth (n=71) who provided data at both…

Adolescence involves multiple academic changes and increased challenges with potential dramatic effects on student motivation and learning. This chapter focuses on the influence of one motivational process, perceived self-efficacy. The chapter provides background information on self-efficacy related to the larger theoretical framework of human…

Although small, carefully managed voucher programs might provide a helpful safety valve for some disadvantaged children, policy makers should be under no illusion that such programs will address the fundamental challenge of providing an adequate education to the large numbers of such students in many urban centers. Contrary to the claims of many…

Student misbehavior is a problem affecting schools across the nation. Many school districts are searching for programs to remediate and reform problematic behavior in students. In order to develop successful programs, it is important first to understand what constitutes student misbehavior and second to determine reasons for students' behavior.…

This study examined the emotional tone and degree of influence in adolescents' relationships with parents and friends. Early adolescent relationships were compared to middle adolescent relationships, and at both ages, relationships with mothers, fathers, and friends were compared. Using a self-report questionnaire, seventh- and tenth-grade…