Explores the interpretation of experiences and world views of young people in deprived inner-city neighborhoods. Findings from six focus groups made up of 44 adolescents suggest the combination of mainstream and ghetto-specific norms in the interpretations these young people give to their environment and the ways in which experiences shape their…

Presents data from a research project studying tobacco and alcohol use patterns in San Francisco's Chinese community (N=1,808). Results indicate that the prevalence of both tobacco and alcohol use is lower for San Francisco's Chinese population than for the general population. Those who smoke tended to be different from those who drink.…

Argues that the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) is useful for evaluating and guiding staff development within gifted education, explaining use of the CBAM to evaluate reform and professional development revolving around the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. Discusses use of CBAM procedures in conducting focus groups and conferences with teachers,…

Used focus groups and questionnaires involving parents and professionals in Northern Ireland to develop consensus regarding diagnostic and assessment services for children with autistic-spectrum disorders. Validated results through meetings and comments on draft documents produced by a selected reference group. Identified recommendations for…

Focus groups and an interpretive-interactionist methodology were used to evaluate the narratives that top-performing students offered to account for lack of participation in public affairs classrooms. Notes the disproportionate number of silent female students, and argues that teachers should consider issues of gender equity, peer behavior, and…

Focus groups with 128 mothers in 14 Appalachian counties in 10 states examined the women's attitudes toward their own and their children's smoking and use of smokeless tobacco, their willingness to act to protect their children's health, their ability to influence their children's behavior, and their reactions to various tobacco prevention…

Examines the effects of a focus group discussion on elderly worriers (N=21; at least 70 years old and self-designated as worriers). Results indicate that the percentage of the day that participants spent worrying was significantly reduced after the focus group. Subjects rated the experience as positive and beneficial. (RJM)

Focus group and survey results were used to create a continuing education outreach program in gerontology. The model includes aging knowledge and interpersonal and organizational skills. Core areas included the structure, contexts, theories, and concepts of aging; stability and change; ethics; scholarship; and practice. (SK)

Discusses results of 3-year study of the leadership of the principals of 4 Ontario secondary school involved in the Change Frames project, requiring each school to initiate change using each of 7 frames--purpose, emotions, politics, structure, culture, learning, and leadership. (Contains 18 references.) (PKP)

Recommendations for educators were offered by Chaldean (Catholics of Babylonian descent, majority immigrated from Iraq) adolescents. Themes from focus group interviews related to communication with family, peers, and in the academic setting. Recommended educational strategies included sustaining students' first languages, showing understanding of…

Although parents and teachers want to improve parental involvement, they share no vision of how to accomplish this goal. This article reviews common parent/teacher misunderstandings and recommends that schools address teachers' time commitment, logistical and organizational barriers, inservice training deficiencies, and short-sighted…

Used multiple sources of data, including archival material, focus groups and questionnaires, to evaluate a renewal effort that involved a university school of education and human services and three diverse school systems: urban, suburban, and rural. Findings indicate the consistency of efforts to bring about positive change. Makes seven…

Instead of employing "inside-outside" marketing via inhouse brochures, newsletters, and websites, public schools should begin practicing "outside-inside" marketing in which strategic planning and then action comes from the marketplace (the community) to the school. Public perceptions are gathered through surveys, focus groups, and indepth…

Experienced librarians understand the importance of involving their patrons in the development and evaluation of the programs and services they offer. Finding out about the needs and expectations of patrons, especially children and young adults, however, is often viewed as too time-consuming, expensive and staff intensive to perform on a regular…

We present the findings from a qualitative study examining the marital perceptions of 9 wives of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Data were from a semistructured in-depth focus group interview. Findings reveal how the lives of these women largely revolved around their husbands' illness. The wives faced constant tension between…