Overall findings of this meta-analysis reveal small effects of adjunct pictures on reading comprehension. No advantage was found when traditional v nontraditional text settings were compared. Line drawings seem to facilitate comprehension and color pictures seem to have a greater effect than black and white pictures. (Author)

Classroom teachers need to understand the broad differences that exist between a child's perception of death and that of an adult and should be prepared to confront and cope with the effects of death and grief upon students. Children's perceptions of death and ways in which the teacher can help the child with his grief are described. (JN)

Sex differences in self-perceptions of intelligence and self-confidence were examined. In third grade, perceptions of intelligence favored females; by fifth grade, males were favored. Differences persisted into eighth grade. Sex differences could not be explained by internalizing sex-stereotypes. (Author)

In a study of elementary students, the relationship between the Matching Familiar Figures (MFF) and social and emotional adjustment were higher than correlations between MFF and achievement. Suggests MFF performance is related more to adjustment than achievement. Latency in MFF scores did not predict achievement or adjustment. (Author/JAC)

As part of an ongoing study by William Paterson College, 700 New Jersey children (Grades 4-5) were surveyed about their reading interests. Age and sex remain the major factors influencing children's topic choices; some rural-urban differences were also found. Related primary grade findings are included. (SJL)

Reviews studies on the etiology of monotonism, the monotone being that type of uncertain or inaccurate singer who cannot vocally match pitches and who has trouble accurately reproducing even a familiar song. Neurological factors (amusia, right brain abnormalities), age, and sex differences are considered. (Author/SJL)

Data are presented in this paper to refute G. C. Wright's allegation that racism is an important factor in the provision of family planning services in the United States. (Author/EB)

Observation of infants and toddlers in a day care setting revealed that frequency of teacher-child interaction decreased and peer interaction increased with age. The increase in peer interaction appeared to be related to the toddlers' greater capacity for reciprocating social behaviors and increased use of vocal behavior in interactions. (JMB)

A field test was initiated with kindergarten and first grade classes (558 children) within four urban elementary schools to determine the validity of identifying young handicapped children (5 to 7 1/2 years of age) through a frequency sampling technique. (Author/MP)

First-, third-, and fifth-grade children and adults performed a tactile shape-discrimination task. Changes in the magnitude of differences between performance in the left and right perceptual fields were examined. Results suggested that the right hemisphere becomes progressively more specialized for tactile spatial ability with increasing age.…

Scores on the Masculinity (M) and Femininity scales of the Personal Attributes Questionnaire were compared in male and female high school students, college students, parents of elementary school children, and parents of college students. (Author/MP)

A scale measuring attitude toward physical education was developed for elementary school children in grades 4 to 7. Correlation between scores obtained on the scale and a self-rating produced coefficients ranging from .22 to .82. Reliability ranged from .57 to .81. No significant difference was found between sexes. (Author/GDC)

Reports the results of a series of experimental studies and a sociodemographic survey designed to determine the relative influence of age and educational experience in the development of cognitive skills as manifested in formal, psychological experiments. (CM)

To estimate correlation between motivation and achievement, correlations from a calibration sample of 22 studies and a validation sample of 18 studies were analyzed using analysis of variance and regression techniques. Grade level was the only significant student characteristic; motivation and achievement were more highly correlated in later…

Standardized achievement test scores, behavioral and social adjustment ratings, and school cumulative record data of firstborn children of Black mothers, aged 15 and under, paralleled closely that of peers born to older Black mothers (aged 20 to 24). (Author/CP)