Presents the story of a research team's efforts to conduct a multisite case study of 10 racially mixed schools engaged in trying to reduce ability grouping or tracking. When case boundaries are coconstructed with the help of respondents they become a finding of interest as well as a methodological approach. (SLD)

Several multiple-choice item formats are examined in the current climate of test reform. The reform movement is discussed as it affects use of the following formats: (1) complex multiple-choice; (2) alternate choice; (3) true-false; (4) multiple true-false; and (5) the context dependent item set. (SLD)

To investigate the extent to which street gangs in Los Angeles (California) are comprised of youth or adults, self-report data from 435 gang members are examined. Findings do not generally support the idea of the aging gang member. Gangs consist primarily of adolescents, regardless of racial and socioeconomic differences. (SLD)

Quantitative and qualitative methods explored the relationships among depression and substance use across suburban (164 students) and inner-city (242 students) high schools. Qualitative analyses suggest that quantitative differences in these relationships may be related to the meanings of depression and substance use in the cultural context. (SLD)

Describes a theoretically principled Computer Attitude Measure (CAM) incorporating cognitive, affective, behavioral, and perceived control subscales that was tested on 647 preservice teachers. Previous research is reviewed; the effect of context is discussed; and correlations with computer awareness, applied software skill, and programing ability…

A study examined high school physical education (PE) specialists' perspectives of the contextual factors that influenced the culture of their workplace: career choice and purposes; workloads, routines, and challenges; status of PE; and collegial interactions. Results from surveys, interviews, and observations are presented. (SM)

Twenty-two preschool children with cognitive delays were observed during independent play at home and group free play at school. Assessed developmental age was more predictive of play behaviors in home independent play than in classroom free play. Findings highlight the need to consider contextual variation associated with play-based assessment…

The Diffusion of Multisystemic Family Preservation (MFP) Services Project worked successfully with rural African-American and white families who have chronic or violent adolescent offenders at imminent risk for incarceration. The MFP approach is an intensive time-limited intervention predicated on family systems and socioecological…

How different frames of reference affect the formation of mathematics and English self-concepts was studied for 14,825 high school sophomores from the High School and Beyond Study. Results are discussed in terms of the internal/external frame of reference model and the big-fish-little-pond effect. (SLD)

Second and fifth graders from five sociometric status groups were interviewed for their attributional, emotional, and behavioral responses to hypothetical social encounters with same-sex and same-grade peers with the same sociometric status. Results demonstrate that children's manner of processing social information is a complex phenomenon based…

Two studies examined effects of combinations of setting events on social interactions of seven preschool children with language delays and social interaction deficits. The optimal combination of events for promoting peer interaction included teacher absence from the activity, a limited number and form of materials, and children paired with a…

Discusses the failure of filmmaker Spike Lee to grapple with the real politics of Malcolm X before and after he left the Nation of Islam. Acknowledging the complexity of the man and his context would avoid creating a mythical figure similar to Oliver Stone's movie "JFK." (SLD)

This commentary discusses issues from EC 231 901 on services for mentally retarded individuals: emphasis on structural features of the environment rather than its functional dynamics; developmental progress and personal well-being of the individual superseding ideological and civil liberties missions; and the multifaceted role of scientists as…

Effects of previous training and experience in peer tutoring on student interactions were studied for 16 elementary school classes. Student dyads with experience and training in peer tutoring provided more interactional explanations and incorporated sounder instructional principles. In both situations, student explanations tended to be algorithmic…

An analysis is presented of a conceptual change model for describing student learning by applying research on student learning to the process of conceptual change. Four general motivational constructs are suggested as potential mediators of the process. The role of classroom contextual factors is also discussed. (SLD)