Studied influence of maternal versus paternal support for pregnant and parenting African American adolescents who reported supportive or problematic interactions, or both, with their parents. Found more support from mothers despite equal relationship problem levels with both parents; support of both parents was associated with lower depression…

A study of 91 Japanese and American preschool children and followup at grade 5 or 6 focused on the effects on academic achievement of 2 sets of variables: mother's early microlevel parenting behaviors and interactions with child, and mother's values concerning child's achievement and school legitimacy. Contains 38 references. (SV)

Examines the "Handbook of Research on Social Studies Teaching and Learning's" section on context effect. Reviews influences that shape social studies, including research, student groups, family environment, mass media (especially television), testing, curriculum mandates, and local-to-national community pressures. (CH)

Examines effects of socioeconomic status, school funding, English proficiency, and Latino population concentration on achievement scores of students in grades 3, 6, and 12 in 66 rural California school districts. Performance on the California Assessment Program was predicted primarily by parental socioeconomic status, and, unexpectedly, improved…

Maintains that the past two decades have seen a remarkable growth in alternative education options, particularly home schooling. Asserts that the parents' religious and moral beliefs are primary reasons for the home schooling movement. Reviews research on home schooling and calls for more relevant lines of inquiry. (CFR)

Using survey and observational data on 74 2-parent families in a midwestern rural county, 4 important mechanisms are identified that link economic hardship to the aggressive behavior of adolescents. Economic pressure appears to affect the marital relationship, and consequently parenting, through the negativity of fathers. (SLD)

Presents Soviet secondary teachers' opinions on their responsibility to promote student sobriety. Data obtained through surveys show teachers rate the importance of their example second only to parental influence. Concludes that women teachers were more earnest and willing to involve parents in antialcohol efforts. Reveals teachers' views on which…

Investigated how family processes influence high school student dropout behavior. Used a sample of 114 dropouts from 1 California high school, 48 of whom were matched to similarly profiled continuing students. Identified factors that explain students' dropout decisions: permissive parenting, negative parental reactions to grades, excessive…

This paper reports a survey of 59 able children (grades 4-8) that found a correlation between student life-skills scores and mothers' involvement in community service, leadership, or other creatively productive activities. The paper then describes development of an extended-day program at a private school, that provided stimulating after-school…

Academic achievement was negatively correlated with television viewing. This correlation was independent of the child's verbal ability. Partial correlations showed maternal ratings of stress related to life events and father's marital satisfaction were associated with television viewing. (Author/BB)

Presents one teacher's experience of and reflections on the use of her teaching-for-thinking program as opposed to the traditional methods of teaching. (BB)

Examined sources of children's reading, vocabulary, general information, mathematics, and letter-recognition skills upon entrance to kindergarten. Predictors included ethnicity, gender, child IQ, family environment, maternal education, and months in child care. Found the need for strong parental involvement in children's development and subsidized…

Examined the literacy activities of 47 father/child pairs over a two-year period in New Mexico. Found a variety of reading and writing activities and concern among fathers relating to school preparedness and bonding opportunities. Devised five recommendations aimed specifically at fathers to develop early reading and writing skills in their…

Describes a pilot survey conducted in an international, English-language K-12 school to determine what parents value in international education. Finds that parents in this school rated English language education higher than international education. Ponders whether these parents also view international education and English language education as…

Adolescents are at risk for poor dietary intake and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Family meals appear to play an important role in helping adolescents make healthier food choices and avoid engaging in unhealthy weight control and binge eating behaviors. (Contains 2 figures.)