Previous research has provided support for the mediating role of self-efficacy between independent attitude variables and dependent performance measures. However the existence of a confirmatory model, that can be generalized over both males' and females' measures of attitudes, perceived self-efficacy, and achievement levels, has not yet been…

This study utilizes the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as the theoretical framework from which to explore the factors that have a determining influence upon science and mathematics achievement. The study makes every effort to expand the utility of TPB by assessing its applicability with respect to the achievement of 10th grade female Palestinian…

This study analyzed the demographic and scholastic characteristic differences between a nontraditional and traditional student cohort (total n=11,878) at Ferris State University (FSU) in Michigan, identified (through literature reviews) successful recruiting and retention activities for nontraditional students at other postsecondary educational…

Concern about the high percentage of underprepared minority students in American schools and the increasing demand that schools educate them to a level never before attained are discussed, and a study of reading disabled bilingual students is reported. It is noted that continuing to allow a disproportionate number of minority or disadvantaged…

An innovative intermediate music programme was instituted at an elementary school in a middle class suburban area in Canada. The music teacher at the school designed a unique curriculum, the Technology in Music Programme (TIMP), for a classroom equipped with microcomputers, sequencers, drum machines, music instrument digital interface (MIDI)…

This Systems and Procedures Exchange Center (SPEC) Kit presents the results of a survey on issues and concerns associated with planning for library services for persons with disabilities. The survey was sent to 119 U.S. and Canadian Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and returned by 74. The report is based on the responses of libraries which…

This paper examines a systematic method of improving undergraduate education by using a variant of the academic program evaluation questionnaire, and offers a model for understanding program dynamics and choosing ways to improve academic programs. Analysis is based on mean ratings from an academic program evaluation questionnaire used to elicit…

The goal of this practicum, which was achieved through staff development instructional programs and follow up experiences over a three month period, was to improve the knowledge of elementary school teachers in how to use curriculum related video. TV/video systems and educational programs were utilized to stimulate the critical thinking process of…

The purpose of this study was to measure how learning disabled (LD) children perceive reading and libraries. No similar studies were found during the literature search undertaken for this project. Twenty-three fourth and fifth grade students identified as learning disabled by their school system were interviewed to collect information on their…

The effectiveness of two five-point Likert response scales with different verbal anchors was compared. Four anonymous written questionnaires addressing characteristics of effective schools were developed. Each questionnaire was prepared in two formats, one with each response scale. The 4 questionnaires were composed of between 140 and 200 items. A…

A recent change in classroom (K-12) instruction is the rediscovery of writing's relationship to thinking. Teachers' attitudes about writing can affect their students' attitudes. Positive attitudes have a positive influence; however, many teacher education students and inservice teachers have negative attitudes toward writing. Since improved…

The development of the Polish Proficiency Test, a standardized, nationally-normed test of listening and reading comprehension for English-speaking learners of Polish, is reported. An introductory chapter provides background information about the test's development, including discussion of the relationship between the test and Polish language…

This report summarizes a 1989 update of a 1986 survey on the diffusion and utilization of audiovisual media and equipment in Japan. A comparison of the two reveals the advancements in types of audiovisual equipment available to schools and social education facilities in Japan which have developed in only 3 years. An outline of the equipment…

This module is part of a training program for foster parents and foster care workers offered at Colorado State University. The module's learning objectives are for participants to: (1) identify family rules and evaluate their effectiveness; (2) understand the characteristics of effective discipline with children; and (3) learn about ways to handle…

This module is part of a training program for foster parents and foster care workers offered at Colorado State University. The module's learning objectives address: (1) the organization of a social services foster care system; (2) the functioning of human systems and the rules governing their operation; and (3) the difficulties complex systems…