Impoverished pregnant teenagers were distinguished from matched or random controls by an inability to cope; by identification of family, school, and peer relationships as self-devaluing experiences; by an attraction to deviant identity as a source of self-esteem; and by adoption of deviant behaviors. (Author/CP)

Briefly discusses the role that rites of passage play in traditional cultures and considers the possibilities inherent in incorporating this social concept into middle school art projects. Defines middle school as a transitional stage in adolescent development characterized by institutional and personal separation that lends itself to these…

Maintains that an understanding of the different ways that people encounter God engenders in us an awareness of human finitude and of God's greatness and mystery. Recounts several examples of encounters during the Catholic-Jewish Colloquium that illustrate this concept. Argues for a shared vision of pluralism and tolerance. (MJP)

Two studies involving 84 fifth and sixth graders and 77 sixth and seventh graders explored the component orientations of spirituality, affect, and communalism of an Afrocultural social ethos and their connections with psychological functioning among inner-city African American youth. Positive endorsement and moderate correlations among the…

Argues that most school-based moral education programs focus exclusively on moral reflection and neglect the influence of moral habit, effect, and commitment. Advocates schools joining with families, churches, community organizations, and other institutions to provide a clear and coherent set of expectations for young people. (MJP)

This study examined the relationship between attributions for success and failure and mathematics achievement in African American, Hispanic, Indochinese, and Caucasian elementary students. Students completed the Sydney Attribution Scale and Wide Range Achievement Test. Across groups, high achievement related to attributing success to ability, not…

Notes that reading aloud to children is the single most important activity for assuring success in reading. Describes types of children's books and offers guidelines for book selection. Discusses several guidelines that help early childhood professionals experience successful infant and toddler book reading sessions, and includes bibliography of…

Discusses different issues pertaining to leadership transitions in child care centers. Suggests that new directors should know that their actions may be received with reservation and suspicion and that they should avoid making or announcing sudden major changes. Proposes that new administrators operate as ethical models and assist other staff…

Two studies examined the efficacy of school-based exercise and nutrition programs with parent components. Elementary students participated in exercise and nutrition programs with or without home components. School/home program students scored significantly higher than the groups with no home component on tests of nutrition and fitness knowledge,…

Interviews with 32 Mexican-descent college students examined teacher actions in high school that had impacted students' academic success. Positive and negative teacher actions were described in the areas of cultural understanding, stereotypes, expectations of students, and exclusion from or inclusion in classroom activities. Recommendations for…

Offers a critical appraisal of citizenship and governance in relation to gender, disability, and race. Argues for a broader more inclusive ethical definition of active citizenship. Identifies different ways in which citizenship is portrayed and learned through texts, schooling, family, tradition, and social behaviors. Analyzes attempts to redefine…

Illustrates how computers can assist teachers in preventing impulsivity and foster the cognitive and metacognitive development of students. Discusses theoretical aspects of impulsivity and learning difficulties; software for improving self-regulated learning, in particular the VISPRO (Visualizing Processes) project; and teacher education needs,…

A four-year intervention targeted students' fruit and vegetable consumption in 12 Archdiocese of New Orleans (Louisiana) high schools. Focus groups shaped program development. Intervention included schoolwide media marketing, food identification, workshops and activities, and parental involvement. Process, outcome, and impact measurements…

Presents a longitudinal study of teacher talk that examines the use of affective particles in the language of the university-level elementary Japanese as a foreign language classroom. Results reveal that affective particles are used far less frequently in the classroom language analyzed than in ordinary conversation and that significant…

Provides information for educational technologists who are considering work as consultants in developing countries. Discusses cultural, societal, and political differences; issues of personnel, funding, and power and telecommunications systems; and selecting media. Suggests guidelines for selecting instructional materials and designing distance…