This study analyzed data from the National Survey of America's Families to determine the effects of particular child, parent, and family factors on serious emotional and behavioral problems of children. The results were tabulated in the form of odds ratios that depict the likelihood or degree of risk of each factor. The factors were also examined…

Noting that our ability to incorporate the cultural strengths and the distinctive ways that families, specifically fathers, contribute to educational accomplishments of preschool children is severely constrained by major gaps and inadequacy in the research literature, this Digest explores what is known about the role of fathers in young children's…

This study examines the relative influence of peer and parenting behavior on changes in adolescent gang involvement and gang-related delinquency. An ethnically diverse sample of 300 urban ninth-grade students was recruited and assessed on 8 occasions during the school year. Analyses were conducted using hierarchical linear modeling. Results…

This report examines the factors that influence the postsecondary enrollment and persistence of rural Pennsylvania students, compared to students from urban and suburban areas. The National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 provided data on 216 rural, 103 urban, and 323 suburban high school graduates from Pennsylvania. Depending on their status…

This report, based on a recent survey of over 8,000 primary and secondary pupils in England, explores why some pupils choose to read and others do not. The research literature shows that reading for pleasure benefits children in numerous ways. Yet, research also shows that young people's reading enjoyment may be declining. Given current political…

Teachers' perceptions of power to influence curriculum policy were surveyed over 120 teachers in three suburban school districts of varying socioeconomic levels. Results suggested insecurity among teachers as they perceived themselves subject to sanctions by school superintendents and school boards. (Author/GSK)

Reading achievement determinants for Wilmington, Delaware, fourth graders show a positive relation between achievement and the student's perception of positive teacher attitude and also of positive parent attitudes. Improved data included student intelligence quotient, pre-test and post-test reading scores, and individual teacher characteristics…

Two issues were studied: students' perceptions of various situational influences of the school environment with regard to locus of control, and the relationship of situational influences to academic achievement. Situational influences involving parents, parental interaction, or home environment were most related to achievement. (MH)

A study of fourth graders and their parents was conducted to determine the relationship between parents' locus of control and their children's locus of control, anxiety, intelligence, achievement, and behavioral adjustment. The relationship between mothers' locus of control and children's characteristics was more consistent than between fathers…

Reports on a test of a risk-stress process model. Examines the influence of mothers' supportive parenting and inconsistent discipline practices on risk factors and family conflict as these affect children's conduct disorder and depression. Tests on 121 families indicate that mothers' supportive patenting partially mediated family conflict effects…

Discusses the importance of teacher attitude and its interconnections with beliefs and teaching behavior. The article introduces a model to explain the gap between statements of intent and the reality of what happens in classrooms. Concludes that beliefs about innovation and its consequences are important in determining behavior and attitude…

Longitudinal study of 54 rural Swazi elementary students found that a child's progression to grade 5 without grade repetition was predicted by 8 factors together: gender, preschool school-preparedness scores, father presence or absence, time and help available for homework, parent reading, child being read to at home, and regular breakfast.…

Investigated associations between parents' reported coercion and negotiation with their children, children's self-reported conflict strategies with peers, and their behavioral competence rated by both parents. Results obtained through observation, interviews, and questionnaires included a concurrent correlation between parents' use of coercion and…

A study compared the global self-concept, academic self-perception, social competence, and behavioral problems of 19 children (ages 8-13) with learning disabilities with their siblings. Although, children with learning disabilities did not differ in global self-concept and academic self-perception, parents rated them as less socially competent and…

Examined the relationship between maternal psychological functioning and child competence and psychological adjustment among black families with 11-year-old children. Found a chain of influences over a 3-year period in which maternal education and income were linked with maternal psychological functioning, which predicted competence-promoting…